HISTORY, IDENTITY AND ENCOMPASSMENT - NATION-MAKING IN THE SOLOMON-ISLANDS

A paradox in the making of nation-states is that the writing of histor y is often historically linked to claims of a primordial identity. Foc using on the Solomon Islands, this analysis examines the creation of a national narrative in the context of the encompassment of the Solomon s, especially by capitalism and colonialism. Examination of the nation al museum, the revival of chiefdomship, and development programs revea ls how the Solomons has sought to construct a national history based o n the notion of an original primordial identity masked by subsequent l inguistic and cultural differentiation.