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 a group of women wearing the uniform of the Mau o Pule (Mau Movement), including ie sulu (fabric covering the abdomen and waist down) in navy blue with a white stripe. In the foreground are (left to right) Noue Tamasese, Lili Malietoa and Fa'amusami Mata'afa, who were also known as the Three Masiofo (Queens) of Samoa. These women were significant leaders in the Women's Mau Committee, which had carried the legacy of support to the Men's Mau Movement since 1930. They are wearing aute (hibiscus flowers) behind their ears, ula lei (necklaces made from fresh flowers) and a titi (a piece of material tied around the waist, with strands of flowers attached) on top of their Mau uniform.

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