Te Buangui

Te Buangui. Whale's tooth. Te Buangui could be used to make a mwae (Neck ornament) that would adorn the body of a distinguished family member after they had passed away, and would be buried with them. This buangui is fashioned from part of a whale's tooth and is crescent shaped. The base feautres a circular cavity with four small suspension holes drilled into the side of this opening. The concave side of the body features a large gouge, flanked above and below by two smaller ones. There are also dark brown markings and smaller abrasions on the surface. The convex side of the buangui is light brown and more uniform in colour with some small abrasions and grooves. The body tapers to a rounded point.