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 [possibly taken at the welcome ceremony for the UN Mission, Mulinu'u, Apia]. In the foreground, a Taupou (high chief's daughter or young girl selected by a high chief) and two Manaia (the male equivalent of a Taupou) perform a traditional siva (dance) called the Taualuga (war in a higher sphere), showcasing their beauty, elegance and grace. A third Manaia joins the siva in the background. The Manaia and Taupou wear an elaborate headpiece called a tuiga, made out of human hair, sticks, feathers, small mirrors and other decorations that make it glisten in the sun. They also wear a titi (a piece of material that is tied around the waist, with strands of another material attached to it), tea-leaves wrapped around their wrists and ankles and an ula (necklace made of flowers).

While the Taupou and Manaia dance, there are people present who aiuli (spontaneously dance behind them) so that everyone is contributing to the essence of the Taualuga - as can be seen in the background of this photograph.

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