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 showing NFU staff Ivo Tish (Camera) and Bob Allen (Sound) filming a group of men walking along the road [possibly in Mulinu'u, Apia]. The men wear the uniform of the Mau o Pule (the Mau Movement), an ie sulu (fabric worn with a belt, covering the abdomen and waist down) in navy blue with a white stripe, and Siapo (Tapa cloth) wrapped around their waist. In Samoan culture, the Tulafale (orators - the chiefs who speak on formal occasions) wear the Siapo.

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