Wasekaseka (sperm whale tooth necklace)

About this item

Title

Wasekaseka (sperm whale tooth necklace)

Content partner

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Collection

Te Papa Collections Online

Description

WÀSEISEI, ALSO KNOWN AS WÀSEKASEKA   Wàseisei are necklaces made from slivers cut from Sperm Whale teeth. These elaborate, labour-intensive forms of bodily adornment were worn by Fijian chiefs in the mid-to late 1800s. Not only are they aesthetically beautiful, wàseisei are precious examples of Pacific Island creativity and craftsmanship.   History   Whales’ teeth are prized by Fijians and other Pacific peoples, Tongans and Samoans in particular. During the 19th century’s Pacific whaling ...

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Format

Image

Date created

Gifted: 1992

URL

https://collections.tepapa.govt.nz/object/188442

Related subjects

Fiji / Fijian / ceremonies / tooth / sennit / ivory / necklaces / Whales / Teeth / Oceanic / William Ockleford Oldman

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