Solomon Islands
solomonislands.com.sb
Duff Islands, Solomon Islands
Temotu Province
The Duff Island are located 150 km NE of Santa Cruz Island in the eastern Solomon Islands. The islands nearest neighbours are the Reef Islands, 110 km SW. The islands cover an area of 14 sq km, and had a population of 439 at last census in 1999.
The islands were home to fearless navigators who sailed great distances in canoes.The inhabitants speak a Polynesian language and physically resemble Melanesians. The Duff group consist of 11 islands- Elingi, Kaa, Lakao, Loreva, Lua, Tahua, Taumako, Te Ako, Tohua, Tuleki, and Ulaka.
Taumako Island is the largest in the group and is steep-sided and rises to 400 m above sea level. Like the other islands in the Duffs it is composed of basaltic lavas and pyroclastics. There is no evidence of recent volcanism on the islands. The fringing reef is poorly developed.
The islands were settled by the Lapita people about 900 BC. This was followed by Melanesian settlement, then Polynesians in mid 1400's. The islands were named after the missionary ship "Duff" which sailed to the islands in 1797.
The Duff Islanders used red feather money as a bride price, along with the people from Reef islands, and Santa Cruz.
Obsidian has been found on Taumako Island which does not match any of the known 66 known Pacific sources.
Adventure Tours
John Seach has been providing unique tours to the Solomon Islands since 1989.
More info on tours...