Samoa preserves cultural traditions amid modern challenges

In the heart of Apia, Samoa’s capital, a cultural village is bustling with demonstrations of ancient traditions. From intricate tattooing ceremonies to the weaving of fine mats, Samoans are working to safeguard their heritage in the face of modern pressures.

The rhythmic tapping of traditional tattooing tools fills the air as an artist inscribes a man’s body with pigment. Known as tatau, this dense, symbolic pattern spans the lower body and signifies a rite of passage for Samoan men. For women, the malu tattoo features a more delicate design, etched from the upper thigh to the knee. These painful but revered rituals, spanning days or even weeks, connect individuals to their ancestral roots.

Amid concerns about cultural erosion, village demonstrations play a pivotal role in preserving Samoa’s heritage. “They’re showcasing the way we live, our lifestyle,” says Lesa Losefo Ahkuoi, a volunteer at the Cultural Village.

Under the open-sided fale, groups of women meticulously weave ie toga, fine mats crafted from pandanus leaves. Known for their silky finish, these mats hold immense cultural value, often exchanged during major events. During last October’s Commonwealth meeting in Apia, the Samoa Tourism Authority showcased this and other crafts to international dignitaries, including King Charles and Queen Camilla.

“Samoa is immensely proud of its culture and traditions,” says Taimalelagi Tutila Farao, the Tourism Authority’s Communications Officer. “Our daily efforts to preserve and share these traditions ensure they endure.”

Among those keeping these traditions alive is 20-year-old Maopo Aukusitino, who paints siapo, a bark cloth made from the mulberry tree. The process involves stripping, pounding, and drying bark before decorating it with natural dyes and patterns inspired by local flora and fauna. Aukusitino and her mother are among the few in their village still practicing this craft.

“None of my siblings know how to make siapo,” she explains. “It’s just me and my mum. We do this to support our family.”

Despite these efforts, the challenges of modernization loom. Many young Samoans are drawn to technology over tradition, a shift that worries cultural advocates. “Kids are spending their time on phones instead of engaging with our heritage,” laments Farao. “We must ensure the next generation understands their culture.”

Samoa’s cultural pride dates back over 3,000 years, with settlement evidence from nearly 3,500 years ago. Though Europeans arrived in 1722 and colonial powers ruled until Samoa gained independence in 1961, its Polynesian identity remains resilient.

“We don’t want to lose this,” Farao emphasizes. “Unlike other Pacific nations that have lost their traditions, Samoa carries its culture with pride every day.”

As globalization continues to influence the Pacific, Samoa’s efforts to preserve its identity serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring value of heritage.