The Solomon Islands possess one of the richest material cultures in the Pacific. Long before tourist souvenir shops, Solomon Islanders created objects of extraordinary beauty and spiritual significance — and many of these traditions continue today. For travelers, the markets and workshops of the Solomons offer authentic, handmade treasures unlike anything you'll find elsewhere.
Shell Money — A Living Currency
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. Made primarily from red-lipped shell discs strung on plant fiber strings, shell money takes weeks to produce and carries significant cultural value. In Malaita Province, shell money production is an ongoing tradition:
- Shells are collected, drilled, shaped, polished, and strung by specialist craftspeople.
- Different shell types and colors carry different values — red shell (from the chama pacifica) is the most valuable.
- Strings of shell money can be purchased at the Honiara Central Market and directly from producers in Malaita — prices range from SBD $50 to SBD $500+ ($6–$60+ USD) depending on length, quality, and shell type.
Wood Carvings
Solomon Islands wood carving is Melanesian art at its finest. Key traditions:
- Nguzu nguzu: The most iconic Solomon Islands carving — a small figurehead traditionally mounted on the prows 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 — embedding nautilus shell, mother-of-pearl, and turtle shell into dark wood (usually kerosene wood or ebony) to create intricate geometric patterns. Bowls, walking sticks, and decorative panels are common.
- Model war canoes: Detailed replicas of the traditional war canoes (tomoko), complete with nguzu nguzu prow figures and shell inlay, are prized collector pieces.
Where to Shop
Honiara Central Market
The Central Market is the hub — a sprawling daily market where produce, betel nut, and handicrafts share space. The craft section has shell jewelry, carved bowls, woven bags, and shell money. Prices are lower than shops. Bargaining is acceptable but gentle — this is not an aggressive haggling culture.
National Museum Gift Shop
The Solomon Islands National Museum in Honiara has a small but curated gift shop with authenticated crafts and fair-trade prices. Good for understanding quality before buying at the market.
Betikama Carving Village
Just outside Honiara, Betikama is a Seventh-day Adventist community with a famous carving workshop. You can watch carvers work, learn about traditional techniques, and purchase directly. 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 — practical, durable, and uniquely Pacific. SBD $50–$200 ($6–$25 USD).
- Mats and fans: Pandanus leaf mats and fans are traditional gifts. Woven by women, often with geometric patterns.
- Tapa cloth: Bark cloth beaten from the inner bark of the paper mulberry tree — decorated with natural dyes in traditional patterns.
Buying Tips
- Buy direct when possible. Purchasing from the maker supports the artist directly and you can learn the story behind the piece.
- Check export rules. Turtle shell products cannot be exported under CITES regulations. Some shell items may also face import restrictions in your home country — check before buying.
- Bring cash. SBD (Solomon Islands Dollar) or USD. Cards are rarely accepted at markets. 1 USD ≈ 8.3 SBD.
- Pack carefully. Wood carvings and shell items are fragile. Bring bubble wrap or ask vendors to wrap items securely.
Shopping in the Solomon Islands isn't retail therapy — it's cultural connection. Every carved bowl, string of shell money, and woven bag carries centuries of tradition and the individual skill of its maker. These are not souvenirs — they're pieces of living Pacific culture.