Understanding conflict in Solomon Islands: a practical means to peacemaking

Abstract

Before the Solomon Islands were discovered by the outside world the free movement of people occurred within each island amongst people who had blood and land ties. Movement also took place outside such ties through marriages arranged by chiefs and elders and as a direct result of inter-tribal and inter-island wars, when young children were taken as spoils of war by chiefs. In other cases people were given away as part of compensation, to make lasting peace and build relationships between neighbouring islands, in particular to protect the donor group from head hunting activities. Those involved in such movements were treated with respect, taken into the host family and group as their own, and had equal rights with true members of the family and group. They often held the most prestigious positions and had important property rights. During this precolonial period the people now known as Solomon Islanders did not see themselves as one people, as belonging to one country. Show more