Te Buangui. Whale tooth. This buangui is fashioned from whale tooth and is rectangular in shape. The body of the tooth is slightly curved and features a rounded convex tip. At the base of the tooth there is a cavity that extends inwards. Into the lip of the opening of this cavity, there are two small drilled holes for suspension. Threaded through these holes is te nimwaerere, which is a two-ply cord made from benu (sennit) and te ira n atu (human hair) rolled together. The overall surface of the buangui is textured with small furrows. To the left of the handwritten inscription are two deep gouges on the surface of the tooth, that are dark brown in colour. The entire exterior is off white in colour. The buangui has been used used to make a mwae (Neck ornament) which would adorn the body of a distinguished family member after they had passed away, and would be buried with them.