Scrimshaw, A Tabua Carved From Sperm Whale Tooth.
A beautiful tabua made of marine ivory (sperm whale tooth) with a necklace made of plant fibers. This scrimshaw originally belonged to a sailor on a whaling ship; he had begun engraving the British flag on it before likely trading it with an islander. Fiji Islands, Polynesia. Marine ivory, plant fiber, signs of age. Length: 15.3 cm
Tabua necklaces,made from ivory from the sperm whale’s lower jaw, wereprecious objects, passed down from generation to generation. Theyserved as currency—during yaqona ceremonies,to seal contracts or promises—or even asmarriage tokens.Fiji Islands, Polynesia Marine ivory, plant fibers, signs of age
Tabua necklaces,made from ivory from the sperm whale’s lower jaw, wereprecious objects, passed down from generation to generation. Theyserved as currency—during yaqona ceremonies,to seal contracts or promises—or even asmarriage tokens.Fiji Islands, Polynesia Marine ivory, plant fibers, signs of age
880 €
Period: 19th century
Style: Tribal Art
Condition: Excellent condition
Material: Ivory
Length: 15,3cm
Reference (ID): 1853001
Availability: In stock
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