Collection of Five Fijian Chiefs Breast Ornaments ‘Tabua’
A Fine Collection of Five Fijian Chiefs Breast Ornaments ‘Tabua’ fashioned from sperm whale teeth
All with old aged patination
Early 19th Century
Sizes: 18cm wide – 7 ins wide (max) – 14.5cm wide – 5¾ ins wide (min)
See: Finch and Co catalogue no. 13, item no. 117 and 119, catalogue no. 16, item no. 126, for other examples
All with old aged patination
Early 19th Century
Sizes: 18cm wide – 7 ins wide (max) – 14.5cm wide – 5¾ ins wide (min)
See: Finch and Co catalogue no. 13, item no. 117 and 119, catalogue no. 16, item no. 126, for other examples
Made to be worn as pendants from sinnet cord suspended through stone drilled holes to each end these chest ornaments had a profound ceremonial significance on the Pacific Island of Fiji. Worn only by Chiefs and men of rank they were important ritual exchange items at dynastic gatherings such as weddings.
Collection of Five Fijian Chiefs Breast Ornaments ‘Tabua’
SOLD
