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 head-and-shoulders shot showing a Tama'ita'i Samoa (Samoan woman) heading a group of performers at the welcome ceremony for the UN Mission, Mulinu'u, Apia. She is smiling to the camera; it is important for individuals with a significant role in a performance to smile consistently throughout the fa'afiafiaga (entertainment). Her uniform is different to her fellow performers, consisting of a headpiece made from coconut palm leaves, an ula gifo (necklace made from pig/boar's teeth) and a sequinned top - showcasing her lalelei (beauty) and elegance.

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