The Great Council of Chiefs has proposed a complete ban on the domestic sale of tabua, the sacred whale’s tooth that holds significant cultural value for the iTaukei people of Fiji. Chairman Ratu Viliame Seruvakula expressed concern about the commercialization of tabua, which has been found in pawn shops at inflated prices. He emphasized that tabua should not be treated as a mere commodity but rather as an essential aspect of iTaukei tradition and identity.
In a recent resolution, the Council has decided to call for a total ban on the domestic sales of tabua. However, some chiefs have voiced their support for regulating the export of tabua, considering the needs of Fiji’s expanding diaspora. Ratu Viliame noted, “We agree for the control of the tabua going out. Because some of the diaspora overseas is quite large now, and some of them would need the use of the tabua.”
This initiative by the Council is part of a broader effort to protect iTaukei culture and maintain traditional governance systems, highlighting the importance of preserving cultural heritage in the face of commercialization. The proposed ban on domestic sales, coupled with regulated exports, aims to ensure that tabua remains a sacred object rather than a market commodity, reinforcing its significance within the iTaukei community.