Details About Tikopia

The Solomon Islands have long been known for their fierce headhunting tribes, which have led to the islands' isolation until only recently. Descended from voyaging Tongans, Tikopian culture differs from that of its neighbors, and islanders still follow a traditional lifestyle. Women wear tapa cloth skirts, catch fish with handmade nets from ancient fish traps, and cook in communal ovens. Men catch flying fish with airborne nets resembling tennis rackets, wear tribal tattoos, and chew betel nuts. There are no cars on the island, and it is still ruled by four clans, each with a chief who may only be approached by crawling. It's a fascinating place with a colorful history. The island is actually part of the British Solomon Islands, yet culturally as well as linguistically, Tikopia is classified with Western Polynesia. This Island is home to approximately 2,000 people. Hunting was never used as a means of food because of the lack of animals on the island. Therefore marine life is the main source of food in their diet. The Tikopians are distributed into 21 villages located along the coastline. The 21 villages are divided into two major social-geographical districts, named Ravenga and Faea.