Tikopia

Tikopia is a small island in the Solomon Islands whose people speak a Polynesian language. Their culture has strong Polynesian connections, alongside relationships with neighbouring Pacific communities.

Historical men's chest tattoos followed a central line, with bold designs arranged on either side. The patterns made a striking frame for the body and could express manhood and belonging.

Individual designs drew on familiar animals and objects. Spears, frigatebirds and sea creatures appear in recorded motifs, transformed into shapes that fitted the available space on the skin.

Tattooing required time, skill and the willingness to endure pain. Portraits and scenes of tattooists at work show both the finished appearance and the process behind it. Tikopia's patterns belonged to its own island history, even when visitors compared them with tattoos elsewhere in the Pacific.