Godzilla, A Living Atomic Bomb
In 1954, nuclear testing on Bikini Atoll stoked new fears of atomic energy. An accidental irradiation of Japanese fishing vessel prompted panic and the Japanese press called it "the second atomic bombing of mankind." These fears manifested themselves in a new horror monster in the 1954 film Gojira (Godzilla).
In order to prepare for these nuclear tests, the American Government relocated hundreds of Indigenous peoples from their homes in the Marshall Islands. A few objects from Bikini Atoll give a glimpse into their culture. You can see these objects and learn how the tests inspired Godzilla only at NHM.
Coconut Bowl/Cup
A coconut shell used as a cup or bowl.
Rongerik Atoll, Marshall Islands c. 1945
Some knots in trees are naturally more dense and have more compressive strength so with a handle, they can make an ideal mallet or hammer.
Rongerik Atoll, Marshall Islands c. 1945
Conch Shell
Used as a horn.
Rongerik Atoll (where the natives of Bikini were moved to), Marshall Islands c. 1945
Canoe Bailer
This is used to scoop water out of a canoe.
Bikini Atoll, Marshall Islands c. 1945
Coconut Grater
This has a metal attachment with ridges at one end for grating coconut.
Bikini Atoll, Marshall Islands c. 1945
Beater
Used to beat the pandanus fiber used for baskets, roofs, fans, etc. and for beating bark to make bark cloth.
Bikini Atoll, Marshall Islands c. 1945