Ei

Item number 3254/6 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Data
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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.