Traditional Tattoos of Langa Langa Lagoon

Langa Langa Lagoon, also called Akwalaafu, lies on the western coast of Malaita in the Solomon Islands. Communities established settlements on small artificial islands constructed over generations from coral stone and other reef material. Their development is associated with periods of conflict between coastal and inland communities, although the islands also supported a distinct lagoon-based way of life.

The people of Langa Langa are especially known for canoe building and the production of shell money. Small shell discs are shaped, drilled, polished and assembled into strings that continue to have ceremonial, social and economic importance, including their use in marriage exchanges, compensation payments and other customary transactions.

These photographs, taken in 2006, document elder women bearing traditional tattoos on their faces, chests, arms and hands. The markings include short facial lines, repeated geometric patterns and elaborate chest designs resembling necklaces or ornamental bands. The variation among the women demonstrates that Langa Langa tattooing was not represented by a single standardized design.

By 2006, such extensive traditional tattooing was principally preserved on older generations.