Culture of SamoaCulture of SamoaIntroductionIntroduction

ByDanielle, Tracy, Linda, Kaisha, Will, and Connor

Flag of German Samoa March 1,

1900 to August 29, 1914

Flag of Samoa August 29, 1914 to

July 30, 1922

Blue Ensign of Western Samoa July 30, 1922 to

January 1, 1962

Red Ensign of Western Samoa January 16, 1925 to

January 1, 1962

Flag of Western Samoa between May 26, 1948 to

February 24, 1949.

Danielle Kingsbury and Linda ScalesDanielle Kingsbury and Linda Scaleshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_Samoahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_Samoa

Culture of SamoaCulture of SamoaIntroduction – Presented by Danielle Introduction – Presented by Danielle

Social hierarchy's and customs – Presented by ConnorSocial hierarchy's and customs – Presented by Connor

Dress – Presented by pictures from group Dress – Presented by pictures from group

Dance and music – Presented by LindaDance and music – Presented by Linda

Food- Presented by KaishaFood- Presented by Kaisha

Tattoos-Presented by Tracy Tattoos-Presented by Tracy

Sport – Presented by WillSport – Presented by Will

Conclusion – Presented by Tracy and LindaConclusion – Presented by Tracy and Linda

Danielle Kingsbury and Linda ScalesDanielle Kingsbury and Linda Scales

Samoa is located is located in the South Pacific Ocean(It is located between Australia and Hawaii). Samoa has a population of 172,000, of which 94% are (It is located between Australia and Hawaii). Samoa has a population of 172,000, of which 94% are

ethnically Samoan. There are 9 islands included: The largest is Savai’i where the capital, Apia, is located. ethnically Samoan. There are 9 islands included: The largest is Savai’i where the capital, Apia, is located.

Danielle KingsburyDanielle Kingsbury

Facts about Samoa and the people:Facts about Samoa and the people:

Samoa is divided into Western Samoa and Samoa is divided into Western Samoa and American SamoaAmerican Samoa

Primary language is Samoan, which Primary language is Samoan, which belongs to the Austronesian group of belongs to the Austronesian group of languages spoken throughout Polenesia.languages spoken throughout Polenesia.

English is spoken in the more educated English is spoken in the more educated areas.areas.

The literacy rate is 90%. Education is The literacy rate is 90%. Education is considered a necessity for children.considered a necessity for children.

Danielle KingsburyDanielle Kingsbury

Facts continued…Facts continued… The national and religious anthem is ‘The national and religious anthem is ‘Lota Lota

Nu’u ua ou Fanau ai’- Nu’u ua ou Fanau ai’- Samoan’s refer to Samoan’s refer to their country as a gift from God.their country as a gift from God.

Men hold 60% of the wage-earning jobs Men hold 60% of the wage-earning jobs including government work, teachers, including government work, teachers, nurses, clerks, and secretaries.nurses, clerks, and secretaries.

Weather in Samoa is variable: the hottest Weather in Samoa is variable: the hottest month is December, while the coldest is month is December, while the coldest is July.July.

Danielle KingsburyDanielle Kingsbury

Samoans are very…Samoans are very…

Into Rugby and Cricket; these are the Into Rugby and Cricket; these are the main sports played in Samoa much into main sports played in Samoa much into food…food is the main event at any food…food is the main event at any ceremony or celebration…ceremony or celebration…

Vocal with their cultural music, dance, and Vocal with their cultural music, dance, and tattooing…tattooing…

Involved with their family…Involved with their family… All of which will be discussed further…All of which will be discussed further…

Danielle KingsburyDanielle Kingsbury

SamoanSamoanCustoms & Customs &

Social HierarchiesSocial Hierarchies

Conner EriksenConner Eriksen

Samoan CustomsSamoan Customs

Marriage & CourtshipMarriage & Courtship

Dating is looked down upon in remote villages.Dating is looked down upon in remote villages. The proper way for a man to court a woman is to bring gifts The proper way for a man to court a woman is to bring gifts

and food to the lady’s family.and food to the lady’s family. The two also get to know each other in the presence of the The two also get to know each other in the presence of the

lady’s family as well.lady’s family as well. A A nofo fa'apouliuli nofo fa'apouliuli is like a trial relationship.is like a trial relationship.

This is a way for a young couple to try and test a relationship.This is a way for a young couple to try and test a relationship. Illagitamacy is not seen as negative.Illagitamacy is not seen as negative. Children are a delight to a family and are normally raised Children are a delight to a family and are normally raised

by grandparents and/or other close relatives. by grandparents and/or other close relatives.

Social StatusSocial Status

The Aliki is like a chief, which is an The Aliki is like a chief, which is an inherited position.inherited position.

There are also elders that help make There are also elders that help make decisions in a village.decisions in a village.

Other than that, the families run Other than that, the families run themselves, with the elders of each family themselves, with the elders of each family mainly being in charge.mainly being in charge.

Although it is hard to see, this diagram clearly labels and shows the social

structure in Samoan culture.

Linda Scales Project Group #1http://cgi.ebay.com/Samoa-1975-Musical-Instruments-SG-450-3-MNH-/320525527105http://www.primitiveways.com/puniu.htmlMusic of Samoa - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.mht

Samoa MusicCulture

Linda Scales Project Group #1http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=7344196Music of Samoa - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.mht!http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_of_Samoa

Linda Scales Project Group #1http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckgntMplJ1kSamoan Dance - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.mht

YouTube - SAMOAN DANCE.url

Doubleclick to view video

The Taualunga takes a similar form to the siva. It is performed by a female dancer, but instead of performing alone there will be various points at which a group of men will participate. In addition a sei, headdress of flowers, will be worn.

Siva is the Samoan word for dance, but it also refers to a particular type of dance in which the performer usually stands and enacts an everyday activity. For the siva the performer usually wears a tuiga, a headdress made of feathers and human hair.

Samoan Fiafia

It's like the dancing and fire show at a Hawaiian luau but with a few differences. The women wear more clothes and sometimes they dance with a club/sword thing.

Linda Scales Project Group #1http://www.princesstui.ws/html/fiafia.htmlhttp://www.samoa.co.uk/dance.html

““Food plays a very important role in Food plays a very important role in the Samoan culture and life. Almost all the Samoan culture and life. Almost all

the important cultural events center the important cultural events center around meals and feasts.”around meals and feasts.”

Sam

oa

Sam

oa

Kaisha Kaisha VonNagelVonNagelhttp://www.samoa-experience.com/Food_Seipepa.htm

•Fact Samoans eat bothFact Samoans eat both imported and local food's imported and local food's such as fish, pork, yams, such as fish, pork, yams, breadfruit and coconut breadfruit and coconut which are locally grown which are locally grown and imported foods such and imported foods such as rice , butter and as rice , butter and honey to name a few.honey to name a few.

•Fact large feasts are Fact large feasts are traditional in celebrating traditional in celebrating and marking special and marking special occasions. Such as occasions. Such as weddings, birthdays, weddings, birthdays, Anniversaries and even Anniversaries and even funeral services. funeral services.

www.life.com/image/55783740http://www.samoa.co.uk/food&drink.html

Kaisha VonaNagelKaisha VonaNagel

Many of us have heard of or Many of us have heard of or maybe even witnessed an maybe even witnessed an

entire pig being roasted. This entire pig being roasted. This practice is tradition to the practice is tradition to the Samoan culture. In Samoa Samoan culture. In Samoa they use what is called an they use what is called an

“Umu.” An Umu is an above “Umu.” An Umu is an above ground oven. Stones wrapped ground oven. Stones wrapped

in banana leaves go onto a in banana leaves go onto a open fire. The fire burns until open fire. The fire burns until only embers are left. Once the only embers are left. Once the stones become hot like that of stones become hot like that of

lava it is ready for the food. lava it is ready for the food.

Foods most commonly Foods most commonly cooked on the Umu are “ taro, cooked on the Umu are “ taro, breadfruit, bananas, coconut, breadfruit, bananas, coconut, fish and shellfish, chicken and fish and shellfish, chicken and

pork.”pork.”

www.creationcsp.org/2006_03_01_archive.htmlhttp://www.samoa.co.uk/food&drink.html

Kaisha VonNagel

““Samoan food is not heavily Samoan food is not heavily spiced, and is characterized by spiced, and is characterized by

the use of coconut milk and the use of coconut milk and cream.” In Samoa while cream.” In Samoa while

feasting it is customary for a feasting it is customary for a person to come in and sit on person to come in and sit on

the floor to prepare for a meal the floor to prepare for a meal and much talking doesn’t take and much talking doesn’t take

place during the meal. “It is place during the meal. “It is considered an honor to be considered an honor to be asked to share asked to share avaava (a local (a local

drink made from the root of the drink made from the root of the pepper plant).  To show pepper plant).  To show

respect, spill a few drops on respect, spill a few drops on the ground or mat in front of the ground or mat in front of you, then raise your cup and you, then raise your cup and say say "manuia""manuia" (mahn-WE-ah) (mahn-WE-ah)

before drinking.”before drinking.”

Kaisha Kaisha VonNagelVonNagel

www.tripadvisor.in/ShowUserReviews-g312867-d6...http://www.samoa-experience.com/Food_Seipepa.htm

The Art and Culture of The Art and Culture of Polynesian Tattoo.Polynesian Tattoo.Samoan Word for Tattoo: Tatau Samoan Word for Tattoo: Tatau

(which means correct or (which means correct or workmanlike)workmanlike)

Tracy Armstrong

The History behind Samoan Tattoos The History behind Samoan Tattoos

The art of tattooing began centuries agoThe art of tattooing began centuries ago Two sisters from Fiji named Taema and Tilafaiga Two sisters from Fiji named Taema and Tilafaiga

brought the art of tatau to Samoa.brought the art of tatau to Samoa. Getting a Tattoo became a boys right of passageGetting a Tattoo became a boys right of passage Kealalokah(2003) states that Christian Missionaries Kealalokah(2003) states that Christian Missionaries

“tried to outlaw the practice as they deemed it a “tried to outlaw the practice as they deemed it a heathenish defacement of the body” heathenish defacement of the body”

Samoan tattoos became only for high chiefs or chiefs, Samoan tattoos became only for high chiefs or chiefs, and the sons of chiefs or high chiefsand the sons of chiefs or high chiefs

Tataus symbolized Rank and Power and as a protective Tataus symbolized Rank and Power and as a protective shield to ward off evil spirits. shield to ward off evil spirits.

Application of the tatau was done using primitive tools.Application of the tatau was done using primitive tools.Armstronghttp://www.pbs.org/skinstories/culture/index.html www.tattoo/samoan.com.

The Traditional Male Tatau.The Traditional Male Tatau. Tatau known as a Pe’aTatau known as a Pe’a Covers the thighs, butt, and Covers the thighs, butt, and

lower back with an interlocking lower back with an interlocking piece around the navel.piece around the navel.

Heavy ink, with quadrangular Heavy ink, with quadrangular lines, traditional Samoan lines, traditional Samoan tattoos do not include circular tattoos do not include circular lines. lines.

Symbolizes bravery and Symbolizes bravery and dedication for undergoing the dedication for undergoing the pain and also commitment to pain and also commitment to his family.his family.

Pre-requisite in becoming chiefPre-requisite in becoming chief The P’ea was considered to The P’ea was considered to

make a man more attractive. make a man more attractive.

www.pbs.org/skinstories/culture/index.htmwww.vanyataulealo.worldpress.com

Armstrong

The Traditional Female Tatau.The Traditional Female Tatau. Women have tatau too!Women have tatau too! Less ElaborateLess Elaborate Traditionally only given to Traditionally only given to

the daughters of chiefs.the daughters of chiefs. Known as Known as MaluMalu Covers the thighs onlyCovers the thighs only Lace web DesignLace web Design Tattooing of the hands is Tattooing of the hands is

common.common. Sometimes the Sometimes the Malu Malu is is

flashed when dancing the flashed when dancing the Siva.Siva.

www.pbs.org/skinstories/culture/index.html

Armstrong

Samoan tatau today. Samoan tatau today.

The P’ea and Malu are still prevalent in Samoa The P’ea and Malu are still prevalent in Samoa A Parents permission is required to get a A Parents permission is required to get a

traditional tatau.traditional tatau. Common Tattoos such as the armband are Common Tattoos such as the armband are

widely known throughout the world.widely known throughout the world. The armband tattoo originated in Samoa The armband tattoo originated in Samoa Cultural artifacts are also common as tattoos Cultural artifacts are also common as tattoos

such as shells, fish or Kava Bowls.such as shells, fish or Kava Bowls. Research before getting a Samoan tattoo.Research before getting a Samoan tattoo.

Armstrong

www.polynesia.com/samoa/samoan-tattoos.html

The ‘Manu Samoa’The ‘Manu Samoa’

WillWill

The national Samoan rugby team is nicknamed the The national Samoan rugby team is nicknamed the ‘Manu Samoa’‘Manu Samoa’

Rugby was first introduced in Samoa in 1920 by the Rugby was first introduced in Samoa in 1920 by the Marist brothers(samoarugbyunion.com)Marist brothers(samoarugbyunion.com)

The first international game played in was in Samoa in The first international game played in was in Samoa in 1924 resulting in a Samoan loss, 6-0 to Fiji1924 resulting in a Samoan loss, 6-0 to Fiji

In 1991 Samoa qualified for their first Rugby World CupIn 1991 Samoa qualified for their first Rugby World Cup In 2009 Samoa qualified for 2011 Rugby World CupIn 2009 Samoa qualified for 2011 Rugby World Cup Samoa has qualified for every Rugby World Cup since Samoa has qualified for every Rugby World Cup since

19911991

WillWill

The team is nicknamed the ‘Manu Samoa’ after The team is nicknamed the ‘Manu Samoa’ after the country’s fiercest warriorthe country’s fiercest warrior

Rugby is the most important sport in Samoa, Rugby is the most important sport in Samoa, dominating others such as American football and dominating others such as American football and cricketcricket

The country comes to a stand still when a match The country comes to a stand still when a match is onis on

The team brings the country together when The team brings the country together when Manu play world matchesManu play world matches

WillWill

As in most countries, As in most countries, sports is a way to show sports is a way to show the world a country’s the world a country’s culture and uniquenessculture and uniqueness

Samoa participates in the Samoa participates in the World Rugby cup every 4 World Rugby cup every 4 yearsyears

World competitions give World competitions give the Samoan nationals the the Samoan nationals the perfect opportunity to perfect opportunity to show off their Polynesian show off their Polynesian history and ancestors.history and ancestors.

Samoan Rugby can unify Samoan Rugby can unify the country when it is the country when it is downdown

WillWill

Conclusion Conclusion

After researching the After researching the Samoan Culture it is Samoan Culture it is

apparent that Samoans apparent that Samoans are very family are very family

oriented. Samoan’s oriented. Samoan’s have managed to hold have managed to hold

on to their family on to their family traditions and customs traditions and customs

over the centuries over the centuries with a unified with a unified

approach. Everybody approach. Everybody has a place and a job has a place and a job which seems to be an which seems to be an accepted part of their accepted part of their life, to which there is life, to which there is an air of peace and an air of peace and

harmony surrounding harmony surrounding all who reside in it. all who reside in it.

Their lives are Their lives are enriched by traditions enriched by traditions rather than material rather than material

possessions and It is possessions and It is this life and this this life and this culture that is culture that is

celebrated so fervently celebrated so fervently by the people of by the people of

Samoa! Samoa!

http://www.everyculture.com/No-Sa/Samoa.htmlhttp://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=hp&q=samoa+family+picture&rlz=1W1ADRA_en&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=&fp=5f2e52d254cddee4

Tracy Armstrong and Linda ScalesTracy Armstrong and Linda Scales

Open Ended Questions.Open Ended Questions. What do you think would be some cultural values that What do you think would be some cultural values that

identify the American Culture?identify the American Culture? In what ways do you think “Social Norms” in America In what ways do you think “Social Norms” in America

may be considered “rude” in Samoan culture?may be considered “rude” in Samoan culture? What message comes from your music?What message comes from your music? Is food just as important in the American culture as in the Is food just as important in the American culture as in the

Samoan Culture?Samoan Culture? What have been your thoughts when seeing someone What have been your thoughts when seeing someone

with an extensive tattoo/artifact? After viewing these with an extensive tattoo/artifact? After viewing these slides has your viewpoint changed?slides has your viewpoint changed?

In what ways have sports influenced you culture and/or In what ways have sports influenced you culture and/or liifestyle? liifestyle?

ReferencesReferences Losch, K. (2003, ). Skin Stories. Retrieved May 13, Losch, K. (2003, ). Skin Stories. Retrieved May 13,

2010, from 2010, from www.pbs.org/skinstories/culture/index.html www.pbs.org/skinstories/culture/index.html

(n.d.). (n.d.). Samoan tattoosSamoan tattoos. Retrieved May 15, 2010, from . Retrieved May 15, 2010, from Polynesian Cultural Center: Polynesian Cultural Center: www.polynesia.com/samoa/samoa-tattoos.html www.polynesia.com/samoa/samoa-tattoos.html

Taule'alo, V. (n.d.). Taule'alo, V. (n.d.). Artist in SamoaArtist in Samoa. Retrieved May . Retrieved May 13, 2010, from www.vanyataulealo.worldpress.com 13, 2010, from www.vanyataulealo.worldpress.com

Timoteo, F. (n.d.). Timoteo, F. (n.d.). Fin Timoteos Samoan TattooFin Timoteos Samoan Tattoo. . Retrieved May 15, 2010, from Chris Hope: Retrieved May 15, 2010, from Chris Hope: www.tattoo/samoan.com

Tracy ArmstrongTracy Armstrong

REFERENCES

www.tripadvisor.in/ShowUserReviews-g312867-d6...

www.life.com/image/55783740

www.creationcsp.org/2006_03_01_archive.html

Pictures:Pictures:

1. Seipepa Samoan Travel Home. Viewed 5-23-2010http://www.samoa-experience.com/Food_Seipepa.htm

2. Samoan Sensation. Viewed 5-23-2010http://www.samoa.co.uk/food&drink.html

3. Countries and their cultures. Viewed 5-23-2010http://www.everyculture.com/No-Sa/Samoa.html#ixzz0o2BlNydv

SourcesSources

Kaisha VonNagelKaisha VonNagel

References

1. Samoan Musical Instrumentshttp://cgi.ebay.com/Samoa-1975-Musical-Instruments-SG-450-3-MNH-/320525527105http://www.primitiveways.com/puniu.htmlMusic of Samoa - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.mht

2. Samoa Musichttp://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=7344196Music of Samoa - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.mht!http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_of_Samoa

3. Samoa Dancehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckgntMplJ1khttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samoan_Dance

4. Samoa Dance^ Henderson, April K. “Dancing Between Islands: Rap and the Samoan Diaspora.” In The Vinyl Ain’t Final: Hip Hop and the Globalization of

Black Popular Culture, ed. by Dipannita Basu and Sidney J. Lemelle, 180-199. London; Ann Arbor, MI: Pluto Press, 200 ^ Henderson, April K. “Dancing Between Islands: Hip Hop and the Samoan Diaspora.” In The Vinyl Ain’t Final: Hip Hop and the

Globalization of Black Popular Culture, ed. by Dipannita Basu and Sidney J. Lemelle, 180-199. London; Ann Arbor, MI: Pluto Press, 200

5. Samoa Dance HistoryMACPHERSON, CLUNY. "Samoa." Countries and Their Cultures. Ed. Melvin Ember and Carol Ember. Vol. 4. New York: Macmillan

Reference USA, 2001. 1907-1912. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 15 May 2010.Document URL

http://find.galegroup.com/gps/infomark.do?&contentSet=EBKS&type=retrieve&tabID=T001&prodId=IPS&docId=CX3401700211&source=gale&srcprod=EB00&userGroupName=tacoma_comm&version=1.0

6. Conclusionhttp://www.everyculture.com/No-Sa/Samoa.htmlhttp://www.google.com/

#hl=en&source=hp&q=samoa+family+picture&rlz=1W1ADRA_en&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=&fp=5f2e52d254cddee4

SourcesSources

http://www.janeresture.com/tu8/social.htm http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/cultural/oldworld/pacific/samoanculture.html

http://www.everyculture.com/multi/Pa-Sp/Samoan-Americans.html