Sisi

A Sisi, or necklace of sperm whale teeth, from Namosi, strung on finely plaited magimagi (coconut fibre string). Necklaces composed of a graduated series of whole sperm whale teeth were amongst the most prized valuables in Fiji. It is strung on a cord made of a very long, continuous string of magmagi, folded back upon itself. This method of stringing bears a close resemblance to that used on some east Polynesian pearl shell breastplates and is identical to that used with the finely plaited coconut fibre cord of some early Tongan breastplates and other neck ornaments. The resemblance is evidence of connections between Fiji-Tonga and east Polynesia during the 1700s. Length of longest tooth 12cm; Length of shortest tooth: 7cm.