Contributing his voice and measina [taonga] as part of the O le fogava’a e tasi – One family exhibition, in this track we hear from Kiribati knowledge holder Charles Enoka talking about te mae n roroa te buro ae roro.

Te mae n roroa te buro ae roro is one of the most important cultural materials that men and women wear to acknowledge and symbolise the great value, beauty, and richness of the ocean.

Te mae te buro is a cultural necklace piece with significant values that embrace connections and acknowledgment of Marawa – te moana (ocean) to livelihood.

In some parts of Kiribati, women engaged in marriage will wear te mae te buro decorations around their neck, arms, waist, and ankles and walk to display the costumes around the village, accompanied by family members singing and cheering.

Image: Charles Enoka, 2023, Photographer Pamata Toleafoa, Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections

Music: Track 1: Drum_Dance_Vaipae_Aitutaki from the album https://discover.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/search/card?id=b2816c56-f483-4573-816c-56f4837573d1&entityType=FormatGroup

O le fogava’a e tasi – One family exhibition can be viewed on Level 2 of Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero | Central City Library till the end April 2023