Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands hold rich Melanesian traditions of carving, shell wealth and panpipe music across a scattered archipelago.

Crafts Music & dance Nature & herbalism

Knowledge in this place

Shell money making

Shell money making

Strings of carefully ground and drilled shell discs used as currency and bride wealth, notably from Malaita.

Bamboo panpipe music

Bamboo panpipe music

Ensembles of tuned bamboo pipes played in interlocking parts, a signature sound of the islands.

Nguzunguzu canoe carving

Nguzunguzu canoe carving

Inlaid wooden prow figureheads fixed to war canoes to protect voyagers and ward off sea spirits.

Reef fishing knowledge

Reef fishing knowledge

Detailed local knowledge of reef species, tides and seasonal cues guiding sustainable fishing practices.

Nature & herbalism