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.

Mid-shot showing [UN Mission delegates] arriving on the beach in a va'a (canoe or small boat), which may have transported them from a Sunderland flying boat further offshore. In the centre of the frame, a Samoan man brings one of the [Mission delegates] to shore on his back. He wears a a traditional Samoan Pe'a or Tatau and is known as a Saga'imiti (man who wears a traditional Samoan tattoo). Younger men known as the aumaga surround the va'a; they will help the remaining [UN delegates] ashore. These actions show respect for the visitors.

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