Photo courtesy of Bob Baxter, Skin and Ink Magazine

The Family

The family in Samoa extends to common ancestors and the ties are a complex and interwoven structure. The extended families are run and organized by one or more family chiefs. Individual family members are expected to contribute financial support and services, and together carry the responsibilities of village life. Should an individual family member break a village rule, he or she could bring shame not only to themselves, but to their entire family. The family could then be tried by the village counsel and if the offense was severe enough, the family could be disinherited from their land. This system serves as an effective deterrent in the culture.

The Village

A traditional Samoan village, just like the extended family, also has a complex structure and the villagers are related in various ways from a series of common descendent groups. At the center of each village is the malae, which is the village gathering place. The chiefs of a village are called matai. The two highest ranking chiefs are called Tulafale and Ali'i, who function as the corporate executive officers of a village. The Talking Chief, called Tulafale, is the speaker for the village and must have excellent oratorical skills and the ability to memorize vast amounts of information, such as historical facts and proverbs. Each chief has a large house used for ceremonial purposes, a guesthouse and another smaller house, in which he lives with his family. The Tapuafanua is the eldest male of the village or retiree from a high ranking political position. This person is given great respect and continues to give counsel to his family and villagers.

The Samoan House

Samoan House called Fale has a very special construction and is found no where else in the world. The curved rooftop not only looks beautiful, but is resistant to most hurricanes, which are common to the islands. The sugarcane thatch used for the roofs provides coolness against the hot tropical sun. The roof is supported by strong wooden posts that come out of the foundation of the house, which is a raised platform called a paepae. The floors inside the house are covered with different types of mats. In case of rain or storm, the blinds between the posts can be lowered down, keeping it a cozy, dry and protected inside. The house builder called tufuga, as well as his assistants, are given high respect, and while building is in progress, they are provided with fine food and kava drink. There are many different kinds of houses that all differ slightly in their construction and materials, although the general look remains the same:

Fa'ase'e is a small shed built against the side of a house.
Faleapifagota is a hut for fishermen.
Falelalaga is the house for ladies to plait mats in.
Faletalimalo is the house for visitors
Faleumu is a cookhouse

Clothing

Lavalava is the cloth worn as a wrap around skirt by both men and women. The designs are commonly colorful flower patterns. On more formal occasions, the lavalava is made out of suit cloth material combined with sandals and a white shirt and tie. The women's formal wear is the puletasi, which is like the mu'umu'u, designed by the early Christian missionaries.

Food

Food plays a role in many of the ceremonies and is presented according to the specific event. Traditionally, Samoans do not engage in conversation while eating and the hosts does not eat until the guests have finished their meals.

Traditional Female and Male Tattoos
(click on images below for larger view)
Photos courtesy of Bob Baxter, Skin and Ink Magazine

Tattoo

The legend says that one day two Samoan twin girls from Manu'a traveled to Fiji to learn the art of tattooing. Upon their return to Samoa one of the girls sang a song with the words: When a male grows up, tattoo him. When a woman grows up, let her bear children. Although women can also get tattoos that are less elaborate, it became custom for the male to undergo the intensive tattoo operation. The operation is a long process that can take up to 2 - 3 months to complete. It is said to help men to appreciate the labor pains involved with childbirth.

Kava

The kava bowl called "Tanoa"

Kava drink, which comes from the root of a pepper plant, is a part of almost all Samoan ceremonies. The preparation of the drink is a ritual in itself, especially when prepared for a chief initiation ceremony. The Kava plant is presented as a gift and different parts of the plant are given, depending on the occasion. For instance, 'Ava Mata is the whole plant with roots, stem and leaves. It is given by the chief to visitors, and is a gift of highest respect. The 'Ava Oso is the root of the plant and is the gift presented to the chief by the visitors.

Mats

Mats play an important role in Samoan culture and are used for different purposes. The Siapo mats serve as mosquito screens and are also exported. These beautiful mats are made of bark from a paper mulberry plant called Tutuga which is cultivated and processed traditionally by women. Once completed, the mat is hand painted, immersed or rubbed with natural dyes. The process of rubbing involves placing a carved tablet underneath the mat, tracing the carved pattern onto the mat. These mats are also used in ceremonies, worn by chiefs tied around the waist and presented as gifts. Coconut leaf mats are more for the common, everyday use. They can serve as floor mats, blinds, trays, as well as part of the roofing construction.