Tapua: "Polished Ivory Shrines" of Tongan Gods

Authors

  • Fergus Clunie Sainsbury Research Unit, University of East Anglia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15286/jps.122.2.161-210

Abstract

This paper investigates the tapua, close relative of the Fijian tabua, secretively sequestered supreme form of godly embodiment in Tonga and argues that the tapua is ancestral of the tabua. The symmetrically crescentic form of tapua is a more salient feature of the objects than the material used to make them. Strong links between tapua and gods receiving the first-fruits demonstrate the likelihood that the object originated as a token plantain presented as a crop fertility offering.

Author Biography

Fergus Clunie, Sainsbury Research Unit, University of East Anglia

Fergus Clunie, formerly of the Fiji Museum, is a Sydney-based research associate of the Fijian Art project, Sainsbury Research Unit, University of East Anglia. He is currently investigating cultural overlaps between Fiji and Western Polynesia, particularly Tonga.

Downloads

Published

2013-10-08

Issue

Vol. 122 No. 2 (2013)

Section

Articles

License

Copyright © 2022 by the Polynesian Society (Inc.)

Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of private study, research, criticism, or review, as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part of this publication may be reproduced by any process without written permission.

Inquiries should be made to:

Dr Marcia Leenen-Young, Editor
The Polynesian Society
c/o School of Māori and Pacific Studies
The University of Auckland
Private Bag 92019, Auckland
New Zealand

email: m.leenen@auckland.ac.nz