Julie Shearer: Fiji Man Offering a Tabua

Artist: Julie Shearer
1938 -
Nationality: American
Artwork Year: 1980
Image Size: 9 by 7.5 inches
Overall Size: 14.75 by 12 inches
Medium: Water Color on Water Color Paper

For many centuries before the Europeans came the people of Fiji used a wooden token for various ceremonial purposes. Called the "bua-ta," the token was a highly polished piece of wood carved from the bua tree. But, about one hundred fifty years ago, western whalers began to call at Fiji, offering whales' teeth in exchange for sandalwood and other resources. The natives were struck by the similarities between the whales' teeth and their ancient "bua-tas" and soon adopted them instead, naming them Tabuas. Even today the Tabua Ceremony is a most impressive and extremely serious one. The Tabua is an honorary bestowal, presented as a traditional welcome to important guests, when making a special request, to seal a betrothal, as a token of mourning and to solve disputes. Each presentation ceremony follows a rigid set of rules. The finely polished tooth is fitted with an ornamental sinnet cord of braided palm. After a presentation speech, the donor waits to see if the Tabua will be accepted. The recipient, usually a chief or a visitor of importance and high rank, then leans forward to receive the Tabua with both hands. After the donor has returned to the group on whose behalf the presentation was made, the recipient says a few appropriate words. Although it has no value as currency, the Tabua is prized for its intrinsic worth and because it is vital to Fijian relationships. In fact, today it is against the law to take Tabuas out of the country without specific permission from the Fijian government.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood® First Day Combination Cover for the Fiji Tourism block of 4 stamps issued August 18, 1980.

Artwork Copyright © 1980 Unicover Corporation. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Images of the Artwork may be watermarked and/or digitally watermarked. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the copyright.

Our Stock Number (SKU): XB06561

US$ Price: $950.00

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