WEEKLY REVIEW 311: SAMOAN INDEPENDENCE…UNITED NATIONS MISSION

Photograph taken on location in Samoa during filming by the National Film Unit (NFU) of the United Nations (UN) Mission visit in 1947. Related to ref. F768 ‘Weekly Review 311’ (1947). A delegation from the UN meet with the Paramount Chiefs of Samoa and the Fono a Faipule, among others, to determine the wishes of the people regarding independence from the New Zealand Trusteeship.

Exterior mid-shot capturing women dressed in matching uniforms for a performance at the welcome ceremony for the UN Mission, Mulinu'u, Apia. The uniforms consist of headbands and bracelets made from coconut palm leaves; ula gifo (necklaces made from pig/boars teeth); ula lei (necklaces made from fresh flowers); a titi (piece of fabric tied around the waist, made from packaging material for Kaga Alaisa (imported rice bags); two tauvae (rattling ankle accessories made from small pieces of coconut shell) and an aute (hibiscus flower) tucked behind their ear. The performers also have a small curved marks on their cheeks, which are traditionally made with soot from the pots used for cooking on outside fires.

To the left of frame, a women stands at the front of the group, wearing a different coloured titi, a sequinned top and a larger ula gifo; as is usual in Samoan performance, there are always more than two people who are dressed differently, depending on their role in the presentation.

Description kindly provided by Va'aomanū Pasifika (Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington) intern, To'aga Alefosio.