Looking for Tefolaha’s Staff

Anne and Keith visited the British Museum in London in June, 2004. We had arranged to see the museum’s small collection of items from Tuvalu, hoping we might find the Tokotoko (orator’s staff) that had belonged to Tefolaha and which had been given to a British LMS missionary over 100 years ago.

Though we found some items, there were no spears or staffs. The ceremonial orator’s staff of Tefolaha may be in another Museum somewhere in England, or maybe elsewhere. Perhaps one day it will be found?

Grateful thanks to the Oceania Curator, Jill Hasell, and British Museum staff for taking time to help with this effort!

Click = Photos of other Tuvalu items at the British Museum