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 capturing a Palagi man, centre-left frame, who is speaking and holding the to'oto'o (staff). He is supported by a Samoan man, centre-right frame, who is possibly a Tulafale (orator). Also seen sitting down, right frame, is possibly the Ali'i (high chief). It is important when delivering an oratory or responding to an orator in a formal Samoan context that the person speaking (generally an orator) is using the to'oto'o (staff) and fue (fly whisk). In this context the Ali'i will fautua (give advice about what to say and who to acknowledge) and the Tulafale will fa'atino (action it). Both chiefs complete the essence of delivering an oratory.

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