Traditional Tattoos of Rennell and Bellona

Rennell and Bellona are raised coral islands in the Solomon Islands. Their inhabitants speak a Polynesian language and are recognized as a Polynesian Outlier community—Polynesian people living beyond the geographic boundaries commonly associated with Polynesia. Rennell is the world’s largest raised coral atoll.

Tattooing was historically practiced by both men and women on Rennell and Bellona. Documented designs included extensive geometric patterns, parallel bands, and repeated fish-like motifs arranged across the chest, back, arms, legs, and other parts of the body. Some tattoo patterns are believed to have been introduced through cultural contact with other Polynesian islands, including Tikopia.

Christian missions became established on the islands during the 1930s and contributed to major changes in religious and cultural practices. Traditional tattooing subsequently declined, although historic tattoos remained visible on older generations.