GCC calls for complete ban on tabua sales

The Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) is calling for a complete ban on the sale of tabua — whale’s teeth that hold deep cultural and spiritual significance in iTaukei tradition and ceremony.

GCC chairman Ratu Viliame Seruvakula said it was deeply troubling to see tabua being sold in pawn shops at high prices.

"We want to give the sale of tabua banned completely," he said. "Just ban it. Don't sell it."

Tabua are traditionally presented at births, deaths, weddings and important ceremonies as a mark of respect and sincerity. Chiefs say their growing commercialisation has raised concern nationwide.

The council has agreed to pass a resolution to ban the domestic sale of tabua.

On tabua travelling overseas, Ratu Viliame said the council supported controls on tabua leaving the country but saw no reason to restrict Fijians in the diaspora from taking tabua abroad for traditional ceremonies.

"Some of the diaspora overseas is quite large now, and some of them would need the use of the tabua," he said.