[singlepic id=62 w=450 h=250 float=none]Tapua
Smoked whale bone tapua, associated with Aloalo, the great weather and fertility god of Ha’apai and Vava’u in Tonga. Tapua, thought to be material embodiments of major gods, were highly tapu and kept secluded in the inner sanctum of a spirit-house.
Lifuka, Ha’apai,Tonga. Collected by Rev. D. Wheeler, 1836. Z 5887
