Faʻamatai
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Faʻamatai is the indigenous political system of Samoa, central to the organization of Samoan society. It is the traditional indigenous form of governance in both Samoas, comprising American Samoa and
Three matai, the two older men bearing the symbols of orator chief status – the fue (flywhisk made of organic sennit rope with a wooden handle) over their left shoulder. The central elder holds the orator's wooden staff (toʻotoʻo) of office and wears an ʻie toga, fine matting. The other two men wear tapa cloth with patterned design
Lepea village with round meeting houses where matai meetings take place and open commons area (malae) for outdoor ceremonies.
Government Building in the capital Apia housing administrative ministerial offices.
High chief Seumanutafa Pogai of Apia, c. 1890–1910. (photo by Thomas Andrew)
Uafato
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Uafato is a village on the north east coast of Upolu island in Samoa within the political district of Va'a-o-Fonoti. It has a population of 254. The village is part of a conservation zone called the U
View of Uafato village from access road
Carving a kava bowl
Carved Samoan weapons