The Solomon Islands has one of the richest material cultures in the Pacific. Long before tourist souvenir shops, Solomon Islanders created objects of great beauty and spiritual significance with many of these traditions continuing today. For travelers, the markets and workshops of the Solomon Islands offer authentic, handmade treasures.
Shell Money
Shell money (tafuliae) is not a museum relic in the Solomon Islands it's a living form of currency still used for bride prices, compensation payments, and traditional ceremonies. This currency is made primarily from red-lipped shell discs strung on plant fiber strings. Shell money takes weeks to make and carries significant cultural value. In Malaita Province, shell money production is an ongoing tradition:
- The shells are collected, drilled, shaped, polished, and strung by specialist craftspeople.
- The different shell types and colors carry different values where red shell (from the chama pacifica) is considered the most valuable.
- The strings of shell money can be purchased at the Central Market or directly from crafters in Malaita where prices range from SBD $50 to SBD $500+ ($6–$60+ USD) depending on length, quality, and shell type.
Wood Carvings
The Solomon Islands wood carving is Melanesian art at its finest. Some key traditions include,
- Nguzu nguzu: The most iconic Solomon Islands carving, which is a small figurehead traditionally mounted on the bow of war canoes. They depict a human figure holding a bird or small head, and were believed to guide the canoe and ward off evil spirits. Authentic nguzu nguzu sell for SBD $200–$2,000+ ($25–$250+ USD) depending on size and craftsmanship.
- Inlaid carvings: Solomon Islands carvers are master inlayers and they embed nautilus shell, mother-of-pearl, and turtle shell into dark wood (usually kerosene wood or ebony) to create geometric patterns.
- Model war canoes: These detailed replicas of the traditional war canoes (tomoko), with nguzu nguzu bow figures and shell inlay, are collector pieces.
Where to Shop
Honiara Central Market
The Central Market is the shopping hub with a sprawling daily market where produce, betel nut, and handicrafts are found. The craft section has shell jewelry, carved bowls, woven bags, and shell money. The prices are lower here than in shops and while bargaining is acceptable, please keep in mind that this is not an aggressive bargaining culture.
National Museum Gift Shop
The Solomon Islands National Museum in Honiara has a small gift shop with authenticated crafts and fair-trade prices. This might be useful for understanding quality before buying anything at the market.
Betikama Carving Village
Just outside Honiara, is a Seventh-day Adventist community of Betikama with a famous carving workshop. You can watch carvers work, learn about traditional techniques, and purchase directly from the carvers. This is one of the best places to buy large, high-quality pieces.
Woven Goods and Textiles
- Bilum bags: Woven string bags in bright colors that are practical, durable, and uniquely Pacific. SBD $50–$200 ($6–$25 USD).
- Mats and fans: Pandanus leaf mats and fans are traditional gifts. They are woven by women, often with geometric patterns.
- Tapa cloth: Bark cloth beaten from the inner bark of the paper mulberry tree and decorated with natural dyes in traditional patterns.
Buying Tips
- Buy direct whenever possible because purchasing from the maker supports the artist directly and you can learn the story behind the piece.
- Check export rules because items made with turtle shell cannot be exported under The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, or CITES regulations. This is an international agreement to ensure that international trade in wild plants and animals is legal, traceable, and biologically sustainable.
- Bring cash because cards are rarely accepted at markets.
- Pack carefully because wood carvings and shell items are fragile. Bring your own bubble wrap or ask vendors to wrap items for you, if possible.
Shopping in the Solomon Islands is a cultural connection. Remember that every carved bowl, string of shell money, and woven bag carries centuries of tradition and the individual skill of its maker.