The Solomon Islands in the western South Pacific are a remote island nation that is little known or often completely unknown to the rest of the world. Hence the title of this book Solomon Islands - Unknown Archipelago in the South Pacific, which also aims to highlight the unspoilt nature of this archipelago. In general, our society's perception of the South Seas in the 20th and 21st centuries is often reduced to striking clichés. Cannibalism, tsunamis and photo wallpaper motifs, atomic bomb tests, Gauguin, Nolde, Pechstein, Captain Cook, Mutiny on the Bounty and 'bast skirts' (pa'u hula).
Where exactly are the Solomon Islands? Even on the maps behind television newsreaders, the islands are often missing. Only devastating cyclones, earthquakes or hopelessly overloaded ships that sink make it into the news.
Between 2010 and 2025, the author of this book conducted extensive archaeological and ethnological field research in the Solomon Islands together with colleagues from the Solomon Islands National Museum (SINM). This gave rise to the idea of putting this country, with its breathtaking natural beauty, ethnological diversity, cultures and rich and eventful history, in the spotlight. This book does not aim to paint a complete picture of this island nation. Rather, it seeks to convey impressions and arouse curiosity to learn more about this fascinating country.