💀 Skull Island Shrines

About This Sacred Site

The skull island shrines of the Western Province are among the most remarkable indigenous sacred sites in the Pacific. On small islands in the lagoons, the skulls of deceased chiefs and headhunted enemies were placed in stone shrines as a way of honoring the dead and harnessing their spiritual power. While headhunting ceased in the early 20th century, the skull shrines remain deeply sacred to local communities and are approached with great reverence.

Key Facts

• •Skulls of chiefs were preserved to maintain their spiritual power for the community
• •Some shrines also contain skulls taken during headhunting raids
• •Headhunting in the Solomon Islands ended in the early 20th century
• •The skull shrines are located on small islets in the lagoons of the Western Province
• •Local communities still observe traditional taboos around the sacred sites

Location

Coordinates: -8.1000, 156.8000