Ei Item Number: 3254/6 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Whale tooth on a twisted cord of coconut fibre and mulberry fibre(?). The interior of the cord is a reddish-brown fibre, which is wrapped in greyish-white fibre. The cord runs through a hole bored in the tooth, and is loosely knotted at the ends. A human figure, two feathers or leaves and part of a human face are carved into the polished surface of the tooth.
History Of Use
An ei or tabua is a polished tooth of a sperm whale that is an important cultural item in certain Pacific Islander communities. They were traditionally given as gifts for atonement or esteem and were important in negotiations between rival chiefs. Originally they were very rare items, available only from beached whales and from trade from neighbouring Tonga (where the practice may have originated), but when the market became known in the early 1800s many fakes, made from ivory and walrus tusks, entered the market. They remain an important item, presented (gfited) or traded at ceremonial events.
Item History
- Made before 1841
- Collected between 1834 and 1841
- Owned by George Stallworthy before 1859
- Owned by Robert Stallworthy before June 4, 2017
- Received from Robert Stallworthy (Donor) on June 4, 2017
What
- Name
- Ei
- Identification Number
- 3254/6
- Type of Item
- ei
- Material
- whale tooth, coconut fibre and mulberry bark fibre ?
- Overall
- height 61.5 cm, width 7.5 cm, depth 5.0 cm
Who
- Culture
- Marquesan
- Previous Owner
- George Stallworthy and Robert Stallworthy
- Received from
- Robert Stallworthy (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- “Marquesas Islands” ?
When
- Creation Date
- before 1841
- Collection Date
- between 1834 and 1841
- Ownership Date
- before 1859 and before June 4, 2017
- Acquisition Date
- on June 4, 2017
Other
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 3254/0006