Ivi p'o were used to embellish the lashings of ceremonial drums and conch shell trumpets and the present is an exceptionally fine and early example. The brown patina on the upper rim and inside may indicate that was plugged and used as a pipe at some stage. It is sold with the two ridged bone elements strung on coir with two small whale teeth and black seeds and the finely plaited coir sections with which it was originally purchased from the late John Hewett. These elements may have been used with the ivi po'o to decorate a ceremonial instrument, or been part of a necklace with or without the toggle