The Fijian tabua presented to Charles Kingsford Smith on 6 June 1928
📷: The Fijian tabua presented to Charles Kingsford Smith on 6 June 1928 is part of the Queensland Museum collection. Photographed by Mark Clayton.
Rato Joni Mataitini, one of the leading chieftains, presented a whale’s tooth to Captain Smith. This is the greatest welcome ceremony that can be given by Fijians to high chiefs or officials. The Fijian tabua presented to Charles Kingsford Smith on 6 June 1928 is part of the Queensland Museum collection. For further information see https://collections.qm.qld.gov.au/objects/SH9622/whales-tooth-scrimshaw
‘That tabua’, written by Mark Clayton, examines the origin and significance of this Fijian tabua presented to Charles Kingsford Smith on 6 June 1928 prior to attempting the final leg of his trans-Pacific flight (Suva – Brisbane). See https://aeromuseums.org/that-tabua/
Submitted by Mark Clayton
