Their interiors are light orange in tone with a surface layer of dried white residue. The inner lip curves inwards with a softly serrated surface. Circular perforations have been drilled into the mid section of the inner lip. This could have been made from the use of a terebra shell or te uubai (pump drill). A two ply cordage called Te nimwaerere is made of dark brown human hair and benu (coconut husk fibre). It has been threaded through the circular perforations and knotted to hold both bure together. The ends have been left untied. Te bure are usually kept in the possession of mature and/or married women.