Tahitian military leaders and leading warriors wore these breast ornaments in battle. As has been suggested by some writers, they may have acted as shields during close hand-to-hand combat. However, taumi were employed primarily to signal the aristocratic status of the wearer, and like other insignia of rank around the Pacific, could be taken as booty from the battlefield. Being prestige items, gorgets were presented as tribute to ruling ali’i, high chiefs, and were included among the gifts presented during ceremonial events such as investiture ceremonies. Early accounts suggest that the dogs’ hair and pearl shell incorporated into taumi may have been obtained through trade networks with the Tuamotu Archipelago.