Fijian Chiefs Necklace ‘Vuasagale’ Composed of 13 Sperm Whale Teeth

A Rare Fijian Chiefs Necklace ‘Vuasagale’ Composed of 13 Sperm Whale Teeth
Early 19th Century
Size: 12cm long – 4¾ ins long (max) / 9cm long – 3½ ins long (min)
See: Finch & Co catalogue no. 12, item no. 39, for another Fijian ‘Vuasagale’
Carefully shaped and polished the smaller teeth of the sperm whale were prized for making necklaces worn as ceremonial regalia by Fijian chiefs and men of rank. These ‘Vuasagale’ were the forerunners of the split tooth necklace which used many more teeth and iron tools to make. With the advent of European whaling in the Pacific the supply of both the precious whales teeth and iron implements became much more available. By the late 19th century the ‘sabre toothed’ necklace had become commonplace.

Fijian Chiefs Necklace ‘Vuasagale’ Composed of 13 Sperm Whale Teeth

Main image

SOLD

Mini image
Mini image
Mini image
Mini image

ENQUIRIES

+44 (0)7768 236921
+44 (0)7836 684133

enquiries@finch-and-co.co.uk
Mini image
Mini image
Mini image
Mini image

ENQUIRIES

+44 (0)7768 236921
+44 (0)7836 684133

enquiries@finch-and-co.co.uk