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.

Long shot taken from the interior of a traditional open-sided fale, showing audience members sitting inside in the shade [possibly at Mulinu'u, Apia]. The large wooden posts that hold the domed roof are also silhouetted in the foreground. In the background across the malae can be seen a second fale, with a large number of people seated inside and outside - under shade thrown by the roof. During special occasions or events such as this, the wooden posts of a fale are covered by plaited coconut palm leaves.

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