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Tabua

Sperm whale teeth (Physeter macrocephalus) are still one of the most valuable gifts today. These gifts, known as tabua, are presented at marriage ceremonies, mourning ceremonies, apologies for offences, but also at important events as a sign of welcome or solidarity. In the past, whale teeth in Fiji were closely associated with divine power and the "chiefs" and were therefore regarded as the embodiment of the divine ancestors.

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Data Provider
Ethnologisches Museum
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Cataloguing data

Object type
Potted whale tooth as a gift
Dimensions
Objektmaß: 20 x 10 x 4,5 cm
Gewicht: ca. 0,5 kg
Material/Technique
Tooth (sperm whale), Leaf
Current location
Ethnologisches Museum, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
Inventory number
VI 10987 b

Provenance and sources

when
before 1881
where
Polynesia [Großregion]
Fiji [Land]

who
Schulz, Aurel - Collectors

Description
Donation from Aurel Schulz 1881

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