AKE LIANGA
TALES THAT TELL

Ltd Edition Prints of 50
Linocut on paper
© Copyright Ake Lianga 2001

Canoe with fish below - The challenge of manhood within my culture was a test of fishing skill. In a single fishing trip, if a young boy is to catch more than 20 Bonito tuna, he has successfully met the challenge and enters into manhood. The young boy has a week to meet the challenge. During that week, the elders hold ritual ceremonies to give blessings to the young boy and to ask the sea to provide the catch needed to meet the challenge. On any unsuccessful day during that week any fish that is caught by the boy is given the people of the village and he will not take one bite.

Shark - Is the crest of my family. Traditionally, the shark has a territory that he dominates.

Possum - Is a delicacy in the Solomon Islands. Often, possums are kept as pets and like many other types of animals, can be worshiped as gods in some areas.

Heron - Is known as "fisherman's friend". It has been known to provide messages to the fishermen about the conditions of the sea and the best fishing ground.

Iguana - Is known for its ability to blend into the nature around them and fool passersby. It is a rare species around the world, but is plentiful in numbers in the Solomon Islands.

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