Tikopia

Tikopia is a high island in the southwestern Pacific. Although it belongs to the Solomon Islands, its people speak a Polynesian language and maintain strong Polynesian cultural connections. Early descriptions compare aspects of its tattooing with traditions recorded in the Caroline Islands.

Men’s chest tattoos are described as having a central line with elaborate designs on either side. The markings express manhood and identity, with individual variations in the patterns.

Motifs draw on familiar objects and animals, including spears, frigatebirds and sea creatures described in older accounts as ‘sea hogs’ or porpoises. Historical drawings preserve the striking arrangement of these designs on the body.