The Great Council of Chiefs has put forward a significant initiative to ban the domestic sale of tabua, the sacred whale’s tooth that holds deep cultural significance for the iTaukei people of Fiji. Chairman Ratu Viliame Seruvakula has raised concerns about the commercialization and inflated pricing of tabua, which has appeared in pawn shops, emphasizing that it should not be treated as a commodity but as an integral part of iTaukei tradition and identity.
In their recent resolution, the Council is advocating for a complete ban on the domestic sale of tabua. Nevertheless, there are differing opinions among the chiefs regarding the export of tabua. Some chiefs have suggested that regulating the export might be necessary to accommodate the needs of Fiji’s growing diaspora. Ratu Viliame highlighted, “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 reflects a broader commitment by the Council to safeguard iTaukei culture and reinforce traditional governance systems. The proposed ban on local sales, along with regulated exports, aims to maintain the sanctity of tabua as a sacred object, ensuring it is revered rather than commoditized. This effort not only protects the cultural heritage of the iTaukei people but also reinforces their identity in a rapidly changing world, fostering hope for future generations to appreciate and uphold these important traditions.