what is a high chief in samoa

Maivia, born in Samoa in the 1930s, was a "blood brother" of the Anoa'i family. Photographed by Alfred James Tattersall. The position is currently held by Satiu Simativa Perese. The orators of Leulumoega and Lufilufi have wielded considerable power over the centuries as it is only through their consent that the royal ali'i title of Tui A'ana and Tui Atua titles could be bestowed. [11] Samoan gafa (pedigree, ancestors, descent) is central to family kinship and will usually commence from the person who first brought the name into prominence and caused it to be respected. This is an uncle named Nesi, who has lived in the tiny village of Tufutafoe, Samoa, his whole life. Once the ceremony is completed, the new matai is henceforth called by their new name. [8], The matai of the family is the administrator and representative of the family property which includes customary land. Captions. [5], The 2011 census of Samoa identified 16,787 matai out of a total population of 187,820 (8.9%); 15,021 (89.5%) were male and 1,766 (10.5%) were female. Most Samoans live in villages consisting of groups of families with close ties and history. While the third-generation member of that family -- The Rock -- is the most well-known, it all started with his grandfather, the legendary High Chief Peter Maivia. [21] In 1988, American ethnobotanist Paul Alan Cox received the legendary title Nafanua from the village of Falealupo, where Cox had lived for many years and later helped to set up a covenant to protect the native rainforest. Tattersall, Alfred James, 1866-1951. a Polynesian and especially a Samoan noble or title-holder who speaks and acts for a high chief in official, social, and economic matters… 1700 AD Tupua becomes the progenitor of the Sa Tupua family, who has the right to kingship for 100 years. o Chief has 3 ranked levels: high chief, chief and between the posts chief o Talking chief 3 ranked level: orator chief, legs of the talking chief, and common chief o Role of high chief: To oversee the village council, serve as a host to visitors, mediate disputes. In 1990, the voting system was changed by the Electoral Amendment Act which introduced universal suffrage and the right to vote for adults aged 21-years and over. Many scholars believe that by about 500 ce Samoa had become the point of origin for voyagers who settled much of eastern Polynesia. Central to Samoan culture is the recording of history and genealogy which was achieved through oral history before the introduction of a written language. It was an eleventh century migration of a small nation to a distant home. Please update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. You can copy this item for personal use, share it, and post it on a blog or website. The remainder who are merely at the fono to listen, agree with the decisions given. The listeners are comfortably seated on mats. [8], The wife of an ali'i is referred to as faletua. In 2011, there were 1,766 female matai, 10.5% of the 16,787 matai living in the country.[6]. [13] In contrast, the matai in Sasina have agreed with government support to an unprecedented 120-year lease of prime oceanfront land to an American company to build a tourism resort estimated to cost US$450–500 million. Wrestler-turned-actor THE ROCK has been crowned a high chief, after paying an emotional visit to his mother's native Samoa. A'ana not only lost the prestige it had so long held in this connection but the royal residence no longer was situated in the province, the new king continuing to reside on Manono. A woman can hold a matai name and have the pule (authority) of the family but this does not often occur. Photograph of the family of Faumuina, one of the important chiefs of the Faleata district near Apia, Savai'i, Western Samoa. The site was chosen in 1872 by Commander R.W. In addition, these four paramount chiefs are often accorded pāpā titles - titles that indicate sovereignty or leadership over a designated territory or kinship network. With many Samoans also living overseas in other countries, other prominent Samoan female matai includes New Zealand former Member of Parliament Luamanuvao Winnie Laban (matai title Luamanuvao). High Chief and family, Samoa | National Library of New Zealand Photograph of the family of Faumuina, one of the important chiefs of the Faleata district near Apia, Savai'i, Western Samoa. Ta'ii's sighs were overheard by Saveasi'uleo and Nafanua. Reference Number: PA1-q-107-55-2. In other words it's not a … The wife of a tulafale (orator status matai) is referred to as tausi.[12]. A matai may make their wishes known and bequeath certain property to others such as a married daughter, but they cannot transfer land rights beyond their own. Dividing a family title so that it is shared among more than one family member is also agreed upon by consensus. So I have been unable to establish whether this is Mata'afa Faumuina Fiame Mulinu'u 1 who was associated with the formation of the Mau movement, or his father, or someone completely different. These titles are Tui Atua, Tui A'ana, Gatoaitele and Vaetamasoalii. The title of a family matai which is peculiar and particular to that family is the subject of tradition and is faithfully recorded by the family and passed on from generation to generation. It is common for each 'aiga to have a number of matai titles, but one particular title will be the most important and serve as the main matai title. Ref: PA1-q-107-55-2. Following Malietoa Tanumafili II's death in 2007, one branch of the family bestowed the title upon his son Papali'i Fa'amausili Moli in the village of Malie. This has resulted in ongoing court cases for land claims between matai and the government, such as that of the village of Satapuala over land by Faleolo International Airport, disputes which directly impact upon the country's national infrastructure. (Fa’alavelave) . Our warm, friendly culture and breathtaking scenery makes Samoa the perfect Pacific Island destination for your next holiday or quick break. In ancient Samoa only a chief of the highest rank would sleep on a bed in one end of this building. The fa'amatai system is entrenched in Samoan politics. [14] Fa'amatai is the chiefly system of Samoa, central to the organization of Samoan society. [3], And so for the first time for many generations, the dignity passed from the family of Fonoti and thus from the line of the ancient Queen Salamasina. In the past the term was sometimes used to indicate that any male person, even a matai, was not an old man. These are also referred to as 'matua' (elder), most notable of which are the Fuataga and Tafua of Aleipata, Moeono and 'Iuli of Falefa, Tofua'iofo'ia and Talo of Falealili, Te'o and Maugatai of Safata. Faleomavaega, "Samoa's Pre-Contact Connections in West Polynesia and Beyond", "Prince Tupua Ban Ki-moon of Siupapa Saleapaga", "Samoa Lands and Titles Court to announce on Malietoa title on 18th June", Final 2006 Samoa Census Report, Samoa Bureau of Statistics, July 2008, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Faʻamatai&oldid=1005440481, Articles with obsolete information from November 2017, All Wikipedia articles in need of updating, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 7 February 2021, at 17:50. All Blacks coach Steve Hansen is to be made an honorary high chief in Samoa next week. The matai title is appended to the beginning of their name so that their Christian name follows their new matai title. If this item has multiple pages, or is several items attached to a single record, you can use this form to order your copy. It involves the gathering of chiefs and orators in a fale tele meeting house, the exchanging of oratory speeches, the reciting of genealogies and a kava ceremony followed by a feast provided by the new matai's family. The male (51.6%) to female (48.4%) ratio for the country is higher than the world ratio. A high chief’s house was usually simply furnished. The Gatoaitele title is currently held by Savea Sano Malifa, a respected journalist and owner of the Samoa Observer Newspaper. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. The more important mats bear respected names. He looks just like Maril's Uncle Sone, who used to be the base player for the Islanders band in the 1970's and 80's. Orators serve the means of conveying the wishes of chiefs to the people or speaking on behalf of the family, village or district on important occasions. The Hawaiian legends tell us Pili, a very high chief of Samoa, was persuaded by messengers from Paao to move to the islands of the north. High Chief Mauga Manuma of Pago Pago, Samoa, 1885.jpg 546 × 695; 261 KB Lauaki Namulau'ulu Mamoe (left) and two chiefs aboard German warship taking them to exile in Saipan 1909.jpg 7,528 × 5,920; 6.11 MB Therefore, every Samoan Member of Parliament is also a matai, performing dual roles as a 'chief' as well as duties in the Samoan parliament. Photograph: Hannah Peters/Getty Images Three-times World Rugby Coach of the Year Steve Hansen … The high chief from either village can declare a truce and call a meeting of all the chiefs of he two villages. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia The Chief Justice of Samoa is the chief justice of the Supreme Court of Samoa. The villagers will await their decision. An example is Mata'afa Faumuina Fiame Mulinu'u I whose first three names reveal individual high chief titles and thereby his genealogy and the different villages and families to which he belonged; the Faumuina title from Lepea, the Fiame title from Lotofaga and the Mata'afa title, one of the paramount names in the country. The power balance this system carries is often depicted in cultural and social settings. An example in recent years is the matai from the village of Sili on the island of Savai'i turning down a government proposal to build a hydroelectric plant on village land because of environmental concerns. Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Senators on Tuesday approved a Senate Concurrent Resolution conveying condolences of the Legislature and the people of American to the children and family of the late High Chief, Aumoeualogo Te’o Fuavai, who passed away last month in Seattle, Washington. Should she have both she will usually bestow her matai title on one of her family, probably her husband, and retain the pule. Democratic ideas do not prevail at these fonos and decisions are independent of majority or minority rule. [6] The fa'amatai system is significant in modern Samoa where most of the land, about 81% (567,000 acres), is under customary ownership with the rest under the national government (malo) as public lands with another 4% freehold.[1]. The High Court of American Samoa handed down the jail term earlier this week against High Talking Chief Faimalo Muao, who is also the chief building inspector for the American Samoa government. … Quantity: 1 b&w original photographic print(s). The Samoans explain this by saying that a man has a fasi igoa – a piece of the title.[8]. It is permissible for a taule'ale'a (an untitled man) to change his name as often as he wishes. The Governor of German Samoa abolishes the position of recognized High Chief following the death of Alii Sili Mataafa. Click to request to view this item, access digital version (if available), and see more information. It remained an active naval base from 1900 to 1951 and is now a regular port of call for all types of vessels. Whereas the Tonumaipe'a clan had earlier taken all the royal titles and left the districts to run their own affairs, the reverse happened in Manono's case. The saofa'i is a solemn ceremony which marks the formal acceptance of a new matai by their family and village into the circle of chiefs and orators. However, the right to stand for elections remains with matai, who are themselves selected by consensus of their families, including non-matai family members. In doing so, tulafale have over the centuries become a powerful group, able to utilise their speaking platform to wield considerable influence over the aiga, the village and in their dealings with other aiga and districts. A Samoan proverb highlighting the importance of land in Samoa reads, E le soifua umi le tagata fa'atau fanua (The man who sells family land will not live to an old age – devils will bring about his early death). I'm looking to find out more about this since I can't seem to get any clear info. One of the villagers that high chief Lilomaiava caught was Ta'ii (the uncle of Nafanua), and the older brother of Saveasi'uleo. However, matai titles are not automatically passed from a matai to their children or direct descendants but are bestowed upon those whom the extended family agree will best serve their needs while also ensuring that different branches of the family are represented. Photographed by Alfred James Tattersall. Much of the land under the government today was alienated or sold during colonialism[16] and later came under the Samoa government when the colonial era ended. Men and women both have equal rights to the matai title. Each matai has a name (suafa) by and through which they exercise their rights in the family over which they preside. All Blacks coach Steve Hansen is to be made an honorary high chief in Samoa next week. From the country's independence in 1962, only matai could vote and stand as candidates in elections to parliament. [4], In the 49-seat Legislative Assembly of Samoa, all 47 Samoan members are also matai, performing dual roles as chiefs and modern politicians, with the exception of the two seats reserved for non-Samoans. Meade, who negotiated facilities for a coaling station for the U.S. Navy from the Samoan high chief Mauga. Various members of the family are called upon in turn to support their matai in carrying out their role and responsibilities according to Samoan tradition, cultural obligations and duty. [11] The relatively brief usage of the term "king" died out with the end of colonialism. 1700 AD Tupua becomes the progenitor of the Sa Tupua family, who has the right to kingship for 100 years. Wrestler-turned-actor THE ROCK has been crowned a high chief, after paying an emotional visit to his mother's native Samoa. traditional: Pua’a’elo (this was the name of a Samoan high chief) Photograph of the family of Faumuina, one of the important chiefs of the Faleata district near Apia, Savai'i, Western Samoa. The term comprises the prefix fa'a (Samoan for "in the way of") and the word matai (family name or title). The term 'aiga includes not only the immediate family (father, mother and children), but also the whole union of families of a clan and even those who although not related are subject to the family control. [1] It is the traditional indigenous form of governance in the both Samoas, comprising American Samoa and the Independent State of Samoa. If a matter is of importance the assembly is held on the malae, the open space in front of the village. Canned tuna is the dominant export. Faaaloalo is something that is learned in early childhood. In this sense, taule'ale'a signifies young or comparatively young, just as toea'ina is used to signify that a man is aged or elderly (a respectful status in Samoa) whether he be a matai or a taule'ale'a. Matai names are for the most part very old ones and are handed down from generation to generation. At the apex of this system are the four major title holders – Tupua Tamasese,[3] Malietoa, Mata'afa, Tuimaleali'ifano - known as the Tama-a-Aiga ('sons of the families') that afford them leadership over the royal families of Samoa. Talking chief definition is - a Polynesian and especially a Samoan noble or title-holder who speaks and acts for a high chief in official, social, and economic matters. An example is the title of Seiuli conferred in 1993 by Samoa's Head of State, Malietoa Tanumafili II upon Barry Curtis, at the time Mayor of Manukau, a New Zealand city with a large Samoan population. The Chiefs are responsible for their village/family, whenever needed, they must be there to support them. In June 2008, the court agreed and ruled the bestowal of the Malietoa title upon the son illegal,[17] highlighting the unique nature of matai selection based on consensus, merit, custom and due process rather than automatic hereditary selection. At the same time their older siblings are being taught torespect their elders. He was actually worshipped as a god and developed into a tyrant. Their daughter, Salamasina, is adopted by So`oa`e, the widow of the high chief of Atua district. In New Zealand, more people born in Samoa than any other foreign country officially change their names with the Department of Internal Affairs and it is believed that many of these are adding matai titles. Summary [] As his tyranny increased, in like proportion increased the hatred of the people of A'ana, and at length they rose against him and he was killed in 1829. It is nowadays applied to any male person who is not a matai. Important matai titles are also tied to certain orator matai titles. Orator chiefs (tulafale) and speakers (failauga – 'speech-maker') are terms used for Samoans holding the position of speakers or mouthpieces of chiefs and they are found in all villages. Add a one-line explanation of what this file represents. This led to the rise of the Tumua ma Pule institution, the influential group of orators from both Savaii and Upolu. There is always someone older than you to giverespect to.” The structure of a Samoan family follows a hierarchy. Before the advent of European contact and influence, the authority (pule) of the matai extended to life and limb but this power has been altered and absorbed by a Western-style modern government (referred to as the malo) where the matai's authority is confined and balanced against the national governance. The speakers address the assembly and stand to do so. Only three and a half hours flight from Auckland, Samoa is renowned for its natural beauty, genuine hospitality and stunning adventures. Photographed by Alfred James Tattersall Often the name Faumuina only is used in histories of Samoa. It cannot be used commercially without permission, please ask us for advice. High Chief and family, Samoa. The high ranking chief always enters from the front of the semi-circle and the lower ranking chiefs enter behind the high ranking chief or chiefs. They may all enjoy the same rights or be under the control of one matai who is termed sao, in which case the other chiefs are referred to as tuaigoa. [8] This often involves the family contributing money and important cultural items such as 'ie toga (fine mats) as well as food which the matai presents on behalf of the 'aiga to ensure the family's obligations are met in their village or wider community. The active factor in the life of the village is the village council or fono o matai and its members are the matai. Looking after the collective family land is one of the most important responsibilities of Samoan families and their matai. [7], Samoa's chiefly system revolves around family and extended clans of kinship ('aiga), based on the culture's communal and extended family relationships. The Samoan high chief married the daughter of the Tongan king. Other cultural factors can also play a part in the complex decision making process including seniority in age (an important factor in Samoan society), leadership qualities, oratory and an individual's ability to contribute to the family's overall circumstances and well-being. The Land and Titles Court hears disputes over matai title succession as well as disagreements pertaining to customary land. There are many Samoan public events at which the distribution of mats will take place. Salamasina also possesses royal Fijian and Tongan blood from her mother. Myconsultant said that it is like the pecking order of chicks. The bed consisted of mats piled up to a desired height of comfort. [8], At the local level, much of the country's civil and criminal matters are dealt with by some 360 village chief councils, Fono o Matai, according to traditional law, a practice further strengthened by the 1990 Village Fono Law.[9]. [8], The 2006 census of Samoa also revealed that 96% of the country's matai were actively involved in village activities as part of their matai responsibilities. [8] Under the management of one or more matai the lands are divided amongst the various families for their own use and are viewed by these family members as their unassailable rights. Produced and Directed by Ursula Grace Williams for Wireless Docs. All Blacks coach Steve Hansen is set to be gifted a honorary high chief title in Samoa next week. The traditional chief of a Samoa society is a Matai, who holds a high social rank, and has the responsibility to take care of the civic, political, family matters and other needs of the Samoa society. The high chief and father has made an impactful contribution to Samoa and leaves behind a legacy of legends amongst a family that has, and will no doubt continue to put Samoa on the map, for generations to come. “Children are taught when they are young to respect their oldersiblings. [18] Architecture of Samoa dictates seating positions inside the meeting house during the title bestowal including the position of those making the kava being situated at the rear. As matai head their families and represent their villages, communities and districts, important high-ranking title-holders came to play significant roles in colonial politics with the advent of western powers and rivalry in the 19th century. Other non-Samoan New Zealanders bestowed with matai titles include prime ministers Robert Muldoon, David Lange and Jim Bolger, politician Winston Peters[20] and Auckland businessman Dick Hubbard who holds the title Galumalemana. German Samoa’s budget is financed without subsidy from the mother country. With most of the country's land under customary ownership, the position of the matai is significant in modern-day politics in Samoa in terms of the nation's economic development, conservation, sustainability, tourism, national infrastructure and access to natural resources such as water, forestry, road access, agriculture and farming. The authority of the matai has some limits. Pili journeyed with, what the legend called, a "cloud of boats." [22] In 1978, the Governor-General of Fiji, Ratu Sir George Cakobau was bestowed the title Peseta by Matautu on Savai'i island during his visit to Tui Fiti's sacred ground. Salamasina also possesses royal Fijian and Tongan blood from her mother. TEUTEUGA O LE POLOAIGA COVID-19; Aso 04 Fepuari 2021 | AMENDED SOE ORDERS FOR COVID-19; 4 February 2021 Often the name Faumuina only is used in histories of Samoa. The qualifications and powers of the office are governed by Part VI of the Constitution of Samoa and the Judicature Ordinance 1961. The orator is the recorder of family histories and pedigree (fa'alupega), genealogies (gafa) and events and is indispensable at public ceremonies. Thefather is the patriarch of the family and next to him is the mother… [19], Matai titles are sometimes conferred upon non-Samoans as an honour by Samoan families and their villages. The burial service followed a Family Service and Funeral Mass at the Fatuoaiga’s Holy Family Cathedral, with many in attendance. The high chief and father has made an impactful contribution to Samoa and leaves behind a legacy of legends amongst a family that has, and will no doubt continue to put Samoa on the map, for generations to come. [23] Ban Ki-moon was given the title Prince Tupua Ban Ki-moon of Siupapa Saleapaga on 2 September 2014 during the United Nations' Small Island Development Conference while serving as the Secretary General of the United Nations.[24]. In Samoan culture, the concept of serving and taking on the responsibility for the welfare of the family is integral to the fa'amatai system. A recent example of this Samoan custom and law is the stripping of the important Malietoa title from the son of the previous title holder, the late Head of State, Malietoa Tanumafili II (1913–2007). In the early 20th century, matai leadership played a pivotal role in the pro-independence Mau movement which eventually led to Western Samoa's independence in 1962. If reproducing this item, please maintain the integrity of the image (i.e. Those not taking part in these assemblies are described as tagatanu'u (people of the village) and include untitled men, women and children. Official Web Portal of the Government of Samoa. A political movement, O le Mau a Pule , promoted independence in the first half of the twentieth century, calling for Samoa for Samoans ( Samoa mo Samoa ) and engaging in confrontations with colonial powers over the right to self-government. Aupito – The High Chief is an intimate encounter with a Samoan family in transition. For a great length of time, the title of Tupu (Sovereign) was confined to members of the latter since the reign of Queen Salamasina.

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