Fake Tabua in Traditional Events Sparks Concern

Josefa Kurucake believes it is time to highlight the use of fake tabua (whale’s tooth) in traditional events.

In the itaukei tradition, tabua, is the most prized and sacred item, used in various ceremonial events.

Concerns have been raised that some have substituted tabua with cow’s horns and noni (also known as morinda citrifolia) branches.

Turaga ni yavusa (clan leader) o Digilo from Dratabu Village in Nadi, Mr Kurucake said for 24 years serving in his traditional role, he always ensures that his mata ni vanua, (spokesperson) identify the fake kamunaga (tabua).

“The cow’s horns are light whereas the whale’s tooth is heavy that is how we can differentiate.

“There is another kamunaga made from the Noni branch. Only this one, how it is made and being properly polished, we cannot tell that is made from the noni branch,” Mr Kurucake said.

He stressed that the tabua hold a high traditional value and is regarded sacred.

“Hence the name “tabu-a” (tabu means sacred). We will know if somebody conducts a presentation with a fake tabua during a traditional event, everything he or she presents is inaccurate or confusing.

“I once told the mata ni vanua to check and find out who came during the event and gave the traditional presentation. They identified those who presented that fake tabua. I told them to go and advise them that we are accepting the tabua because it was fake.”

“They were shocked when they were told that it was fake. I think they were not aware when they had brought it.”

“Sometimes they do these intentionally. They bring fake ones so that they may get the real whale’s tooth in return. People are doing these things deceitfully or to gain money.

“It is time to highlight this because a good number of fake tabua is circulating here in the Ba province,” he added.

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