Woodcarving is important in Milne Bay. Trobriand islanders use abstract designs related to birds, nautilus shells, and clouds. Carvers on other islands and the mainland use more natural human and animal figures.
Many islanders decorate their houses.
Most of their societies are matrilineal. Family lines and rights are based on a person's mother. The Trobriands have hereditary chiefs. They marry many women and help integrate the community by redistributing harvest gifts given to the women. The next chief is the son of one of the chief's sisters.