Nafanua was a historical aliʻi (chief/queen) and toa (warrior) of Samoa from the Sā Tonumaipeʻa clan, who took the four pāpā (district) titles, the leading aliʻi titles of Samoa. After her death she became a goddess in Polynesian religion .
80-471: There are historical and mythological traditions about Nafanua's family and life. She reportedly played a crucial role in the civil wars between the districts of eastern and western Savaiʻi . According to Samoan mythology , she was the daughter of Saveasiʻuleo , also considered a demigod, the Aliʻi of Pulotu . Pulotu was both a historical place, and a place of the afterlife for the warriors of Samoa (comparable to
160-796: A "Narrative of Missionary Enterprises in the South Sea Islands" , making a contribution to English understanding and popularity of the region, before returning to the Polynesian islands in 1837 on the ship Camden under the command of Captain Robert Clark Morgan . Most of the Williamses' missionary work, and his delivery of a cultural message, were very successful and he became famed in Congregational circles. However, in November 1839, while visiting
240-567: A boat before eventually reaching Tahiti in the autumn of 1817. John and Mary established their first missionary post on the island of Raiatea . From there, they visited a number of the Polynesian island chains, sometimes with Mr and Mrs Ellis and other London Missionary Society representatives. Landing on Aitutaki in 1821, they used Tahitian converts to carry their message to the Cook islanders. One island in this group, Rarotonga (Captain John Dibbs of
320-465: A change in the character of many articles of manufacture. The warclubs and spears were of uncommon form, and neatly made. On 24 October, Wilkes writes, that the Porpoise arrived back at Sapapaliʻi village, having been gone nine days. The team met paramount chief Malietoa and his son at the village. With local guides Dr Pickering had travelled some way into the interior of the island, reaching one side of
400-486: A chiefs' council ( fono o matai ) in each village. The fono o matai carry out 'village law' and socio-political governance based on their traditional authority and faʻa Samoa. The authority of the matai is balanced against central government, the Malo. Most of the matai are males, however, the women in each village also have a voice in domestic affairs through the women's committees. The main government administration offices of
480-482: A coconut tree upside-down as a public punishment One of the villagers that Lilomaiava caught was Taʻiʻi, the uncle of Nafanua and the older brother of Saveasiʻuleo. Taʻiʻi was punished and was forced to climb the coconut tree feet first. As he was climbing the coconut tree, the pain and humiliation caused him to sigh loudly. Taʻiʻi's sighs were overheard by Saveasiʻuleo and Nafanua. This made Savesiʻuleo angry; consequently he told Nafanua to prepare for war and to cut down
560-616: A crown for your kingdom"). In 1830, the missionary John Williams arrived on the shores (mataniʻu feagaimaleata) of Sapapaliʻi and brought the Bible from his boat into the hands of Malietoa Vainuʻupo, the son of Malietoa Fitisemanu. Thus, Malietoa Vainuʻupo became known as "the King whom Samoa listens to". King Malietoa became one of the kings of Samoa and he was instrumental in uniting all of Samoa. These events were considered by many to have fulfilled Nafanua's prophecy. Savai%CA%BBi Savaiʻi
640-512: A few different interpretations of some of the events, but Nafanua is widely accepted in Polynesia as one of the greatest warriors. After her victory, Nafanua took possession of the four major chiefly titles of the district: Tui Atua, Tui Aʻana, Gatoʻaitele, and Tamasoaliʻi, reconstituting the faʻamatai (chiefly system of government) that continues in Samoa today. In Samoa, the village of Falealupo on
720-448: A luxury resort estimated to cost $ 450 – US$ 500 million. The developers pay less than one penny per square foot of land per month. The development will include a casino , timeshares and a cultural centre. The company is expecting to receive the casino licence for Savaiʻi island in a new law legalising casinos proposed by the government, the Casino and Gambling Bill 2010 tabled to parliament by
800-539: A missionary in a service held at Surrey Chapel , London. On 17 November 1816, John Williams and his wife, Mary Chawner Williams, set sail from London to voyage to the Society Islands , a group of islands that included Tahiti , accompanied by William Ellis and his wife. Travelling via Sydney in Australia they initially only reached as far as Eimeo , west of Tahiti. He then spent at least 6 months there helping to build
880-554: A part of the New Hebrides where John Williams was unknown, he and fellow missionary James Harris were killed and eaten by cannibals on the island of Erromango during an attempt to bring them the Gospel. A memorial stone was erected on the island of Rarotonga in 1839 and is still there. Mrs. Williams died in June 1852. She is buried with their son Rev Samuel Tamatoa Williams, who was born in
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#1732872836997960-519: A partnership between the local matai and villages, government, conservation organisations and international funding such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). These support community based projects in villages, many of which are developed with international support and micro financing in areas of sustainable livelihoods, land management and conservation on both land and in coastal marine areas. There are wetlands in
1040-453: A pool in Safune was converted into a film processing laboratory and two young men from the village were trained to work there. Flaherty cast people from Safune in the film including local boy Taʻavale who played the lead role of 'Moana'. Another boy called Peʻa played the role of Moana's younger brother. Peʻa later became a chief with the title Taulealeausumai from the village of Faletagaloa. Playing
1120-489: A volcanic crater about one thousand feet above the sea and some seven miles (11 km) inland. One 10 November 1839, the Wilkes Expedition weighed anchor at Apia and sailed westward, and on 11 November, had lost sight of Savaiʻi. With the country's independence in 1962, Samoa incorporates both traditional political structures alongside a western parliamentary system. The modern national Government of Samoa, based in
1200-564: Is a church in every village, mostly Christian denominations. Sunday is sacred and a day of rest as 98% of Samoans identify themselves as religious. White Sunday is one of the most important days of the year in Samoa when children are treated with special attention by their families and community. During World War II , Savaiʻi came under the Allies 'Samoa Defense Group' which included Upolu, Tutuila and Wallis Island and later extended in 1944 to cover bases in other islands such as Bora Bora and
1280-518: Is also the site of the entry into Pulotu , the spirit world. Nafanua's father Saveasiʻuleo was the god of Pulotu. Another well-known legend tells of two sisters, Tilafaiga and Taema , bringing the art of tattooing to Samoa from Fiti . Tilafaiga is the mother of Nafanua. The freshwater pool Mata o le Alelo 'Eyes of the Demon' from the Polynesian legend Sina and the Eel is situated in the village of Matavai on
1360-457: Is dominated by a 15 to 20 m high canopy of Dysoxylum huntii , Omalanthus acuminatus , Reynoldsia pleiosperma and Pterophylla samoensis . Other common trees include Coprosma savaiiense , Psychotria xanthochlora , Spiraeanthemum samoense and Streblus anthropophagorum . There are nearly 500 species of flowering plants and about 200 species of ferns in Samoa, making it richer than that of any tropical Polynesian island other than those in
1440-506: Is dotted with more than 100 volcanic craters and contains most of Samoa 's native species of flora and fauna , making it one of the world's most globally significant conservation areas. Faʻa Sāmoa , the unique traditional culture and way of life in Samoan society, remains strong in Savaiʻi, where there are fewer signs of modern life and less development than on the island of Upolu , where
1520-471: Is located. A regular passenger and vehicle ferry operates seven days a week in the Apolima Strait between Salelologa and Mulifanua wharf on Upolu. The ferry crossing takes about 90-minutes with views of Apolima and Manono islands to the south. The ferries operate only during the day. Local buses and taxis are available at the terminal and township. There's also a wharf at Asau at the north west end of
1600-436: Is made up of six itūmālō ( political districts ). Each district is made up of villages that have strong traditional ties with each other — of kinship , history , and land — and that use similar matai (titles for their village chiefs). Savaiʻi's relatively limited ecotourism operations are organized mostly at the village level. The Mau , Samoa's non-violent movement for political independence during colonialism in
1680-416: Is mainly subsistence with locals reliant on the land and the ocean for survival. Dolphins, whales and porpoises migrate through Samoa's waters. The Palolo reef worm ( Eunice viridis ) is a Samoan cuisine delicacy which appear in the ocean only one day of the year. Palolo has cultural significance and entire villages flock to the sea for harvest. Surrounded by a variety of tropical fauna, Samoan mythology
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#17328728369971760-484: Is mountainous, fertile and surrounded by coral reefs. Lonely Planet describes the Savaiʻi landscape as 'spectacular tropical terrain'. The island has a gently sloping profile, reaching a maximum altitude of 1,858 metres at Mt Silisili , the highest peak in the country and the Samoa Islands chain. Volcanic craters in the highlands are strung across the central ridges from Tuasivi (literally, backbone ) village in
1840-525: Is of volcanic origin and the mountainous interiors are covered with dense rain forests. The surrounding landscape consists of fertile plateaux and coastal plains with numerous rivers and streams. John Williams (missionary) John Williams (29 June 1796 – 20 November 1839) was an English missionary , active in the South Pacific . He was born in Tottenham , near London , to Welsh parents. In 1810
1920-474: Is rich with stories of animals incorporated into their culture, traditional beliefs and way of life. The island is rich in biodiversity and endemic native species which are also highly threatened. The Central Savaiʻi Rainforest comprising 72,699 hectares is the largest continuous patch of rainforest in Polynesia and contains most of Samoa 's native species. Seventy percent of Samoa's settlements are by
2000-601: Is the Malietoa Tanumafili II Hospital, situated in Tuasivi village. Another district hospital is in Safotu , on the central north coast. With most of the land in Samoa under customary ownership with local governance by matai , tourism experiences take place on village land and within local culture. There are hotels, but like the rest of Samoa, many villages provide beach fale accommodation for visitors all around
2080-402: Is the first country in the 21st century to switch to driving on the left. Maota Airport is a small airstrip with basic facilities situated 10-minutes south of Salelologa ferry terminal and township. Flights operate between Maota and Asau airstrip and Faleolo International Airport on Upolu. The inter-island flights take about 30-minutes. Asau Airport is an airstrip at the north west end of
2160-595: Is the largest and highest island both in Samoa and in the Samoan Islands chain. The island is also the sixth largest in Polynesia , behind the three main islands of New Zealand and the Hawaiian Islands of Hawaii and Maui . While it is larger than the second main island, Upolu, it is significantly less populated. Samoans sometimes refer to the island of Savaiʻi as Salafai : This is its classical Samoan name, and
2240-464: Is used in formal oratory and prose . The island is home to 43,958 people (2016 census), and they make up 24% of the population of Samoa. The island's only township and ferry terminal is called Salelologa . It is the main point of entry to the island, and is situated at the east end of Savaiʻi. A tar sealed road serves as the single main highway , connecting most of the villages. Local bus routes also operate, reaching most settlements. Savaiʻi
2320-518: The Cook Islands . A military governor of the Samoa Defense Group was Brigadier General Henry L. Larsen who had secret orders mandating a defensive position of the islands from east to west. The code name for the entire group of islands was "Straw" and the code name for Savaiʻi was "Strawman". The code for Upolu was "Strawhat", Tutuila "Strawstack" while Wallis Island was "Strawboard". A small base
2400-689: The Malo on Savaiʻi are situated in the village of Tuasivi , 10 minutes north of the ferry terminal and market at Salelologa . There's a district hospital, police station, post office and court houses in Tuasivi. Vaʻai Kolone , a matai and businessman from Vaisala , at the west end of the island, became the Prime Minister of Samoa twice in the 1980s. Samoa has 11 political districts (itūmālō) and 6 are in Savaiʻi; Faʻasaleleaga , Gagaʻemauga , Gagaʻifomauga , Palauli , Satupaʻitea and Vaisigano . Savaiʻi
2480-573: The Pulemelei Mound in Palauli district. Archaeology in Samoa has uncovered many pre-historic settlements including sites at Vailoa and Sapapaliʻi . Rich in Polynesian history and oral tradition, Savaiʻi is mentioned in myths and legends across the Pacific Islands and has been called the "Cradle of Polynesia." Samoan mythology tells stories of different gods. There were gods of the forest,
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2560-450: The Samoan white-eye ( Zosterops samoensis ) which is only found in the high cloud forests and alpine scrub around Mt Silisili , and Samoan moorhen ( Gallinula pacifica ), which was last recorded in 1873 near Aopo with possible sightings in 1984 and 2003. The tooth-billed pigeon , ( Didunculus strigirostris ), also known as the manumea is also endemic and now increasingly rare, leading to
2640-461: The capital , Apia , is located. Samoan society is communal and based on extended family relationships and socio-cultural obligations, so that kinship and genealogies are important. These faʻa Sāmoa values are also associated with concepts of love ( alofa ), service ( tautua ) to family and community, respect ( faʻaaloalo ) and discipline ( usitaʻi ). Most families are made up of a number of different households situated close to each other. Like
2720-515: The Government of Samoa. The lease is unprecedented in Samoa where 80% of the land is under customary ownership, 6% freehold and the rest owned by the government. Moana (1926), one of the earliest documentaries made in the world, was filmed in Safune on the central north coast. The film was directed by Robert J. Flaherty who lived with his wife and children in Safune for more than a year. A cave with
2800-496: The Hawaiian archipelago. About 25% of the species are endemic to Samoa. The variety of tropical plant life is also a material source for floral adornment, tapa cloth , ʻie toga , perfumes, coconut oil as well as herbs and plants for traditional medicines. Common plants with everyday usage include the smooth reddish purple leaves of the ti ( Dracaena terminalis ) plant used with coconut oil for traditional massage, fofo , and
2880-473: The Japanese will and there may not be a great deal of time left. —8 February 1943 Report on Western Samoa defence by 2nd Marine Brigade's intelligence officer, Lieutenant Colonel William L. Bales. On 18 May 1942 the 3rd Marine Brigade with 4,853 officers and men were on Upolu and Savaiʻi under the command of Brigadier General Charles D. Barrett. In October 1839, Savaiʻi and the Samoa Islands were surveyed by
2960-712: The New Hebrides, at the old Cedar Circle in London's Abney Park Cemetery ; the name of her husband and the record of his death were placed on the most prominent side of the stone monument. John Williams' remains (bones) were shipped and are buried in Apia, Samoa. A monument was erected in front of the LMS church of Apia, and the six-storey headquarters of the Congregational Church of Samoa is named after John Williams, commemorating his work in
3040-463: The Samoan islands. The LMS successively operated seven missionary ships in the Pacific which were named after John Williams. They were funded by donations from children. The first, John Williams , was launched in 1844, and the last, John Williams VII , was decommissioned in 1968. In December 2009 descendants of John and Mary Williams travelled to Erromango to accept the apologies of descendants of
3120-521: The Samoan rainforest. The title was formally registered with the Samoan Lands and Title Court. It was in Falealupo, one tradition holds, that Nafanua foretold the coming of Christianity. After years of war, Malietoa Fitisemanu wanted to unite Samoa and end the bloodshed, so he came to Nafanua. After many days, Nafanua prophesied onto Malietoa Fitisemanu, "Faʻatali i lagi se ao o lou malo" ("Wait upon heaven,
3200-484: The Toa tree. The wood from the tree was to be used to make weapons to drive away Lilomaiava and his army. She made the following four weapons from the Toa (also known as Koa) wood. They are as follows: These weapons are now considered the traditional Samoan weapons, and are used today more so as decorative objects. The war ended because Nafanua's apana (shirt) was blown upward by the wind revealing her breasts. Up to this time
3280-480: The Viking concept of Valhalla ). In one tradition, Nafanua's mother was Tilafaiga the sister of Taema , the legendary conjoined twins, whom brought the malu tattoo to Samoa. Nafanua was bestowed the title of Toa/Toa Tamaʻitaʻi (or Warrior Princess) for avenging her uncle and bringing peace to Savaiʻi through military victories. Her village was located on the western side of the island of Savaiʻi. During Nafanua's time,
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3360-404: The blue moon butterfly species ( Hypolimnas bolina ) on Savaiʻi found that males accounted for just 1% of the population and had almost been wiped out by an invasive species. Sampling a year later showed a dramatic comeback and recovery to 40%. The surrounding Pacific Ocean , coral reefs and lagoons are rich in marine life and some are harvested as an important source of food in an economy that
3440-474: The brig surveyed the island's coastline and tides. Dr Pickering and the lieutenant were hosted by the resident missionary at Sapapaliʻi, the Reverend Mr. Hardie. The Porpoise examined the bay of Palauli where there was a missionary station under the supervision of a Mr M'Donald. Wilkes' report also described Saleaula village, Asau at the west end of the island and 'the beautiful village of Falealupo ' which
3520-522: The capital Apia with the roles of Prime Minister, Members of Parliament and western styled political structure, is referred to as the Malo . Only Samoans with chief matai titles are eligible to become Members of Parliament. Alongside Samoa's national and modern political structure is traditional authority vested in family chiefs (matai). The term Pule is applied to traditional authority in Savaiʻi. The word Pule refers to appointments or authorities conferred on certain clans or individuals, sometime in
3600-425: The capital Apia , which can also help to settle disputes. At the village level, much of the country's civil and criminal matters can be dealt with directly by the matai chief village councils. The village of Falealupo on the westernmost point of Savaiʻi, is just 20 miles (32 km) from the dateline. It was arguably the last place in the world to see the sunset until a time zone change at end of 2011. Falealupo
3680-507: The coast with increasing threat from climate change and sea level rising. As most of the land in Samoa is under customary ownership, conservation projects are developed with the approval and cooperation of villages. The Government of Samoa supports conservation covenants for three natural areas on Savaiʻi, the Falealupo Rainforest Preserve, Tafua Rainforest Preserve and Aopo Cloud Forest Reserve. The conservation projects are
3760-510: The colonial schooner Endeavour in August 1823 was the first European to sight the islands, with Rev. Williams on board), rises out of the sea as jungle-covered mountains of orange soil ringed by coral reef and turquoise lagoon; Williams became fascinated by it. John and Mary had ten children, but only three survived to adulthood. The Williamses became the first missionary family to visit Samoa . In 1827 Williams had heard of other heathen islands in
3840-417: The current proposition to upgrade it to critically endangered. It is the national bird of Samoa and is found on some of the local currency. It is likely that the extensive loss of lowland forest, hunting and invasive species are responsible for the decline of this stunning species. Samoa has more native species of ferns and butterflies than New Zealand , a country 85 times larger. In 2006, research samples of
3920-497: The dried root stems of Piper methysticum (Latin "pepper" and Latinized Greek "intoxicating") are mixed with water for the important ʻava ceremony conducted during cultural events and gatherings. Animal species include fruit bats such as the Samoa flying-fox ( Pteropus samoensis ), land and seabirds, skinks and geckos. The birdlife of Samoa includes a total of 82 species, of which 11 are endemic , found only in Samoa. Endemic birdlife found only on Savaiʻi include species such as
4000-517: The early 1900s, had its beginnings on Savaiʻi, with the Mau a Pule movement . The island is the largest shield volcano in the South Pacific . Its most recent eruptions were in the early 1900s. Its central region comprises the Central Savaiʻi Rainforest , extending over 72,699 hectares (726.99 square kilometres; 280.69 square miles) which is the largest contiguous rainforest in Polynesia. It
4080-422: The east towards Cape Mulinuʻu to the west. The lava fields at Saleaula village on the central north coast are the result of volcanic eruptions from Mt Matavanu (1905–1911). Most of the coastline are palm fringed beaches and there are rainforests, waterfalls, caves, freshwater pools, blowholes and coral reefs. There are also numerous archaeological sites, including star mounds, fortifications and pyramids such as
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#17328728369974160-425: The eastern and western sides of Savaiʻi were engaged in a war for the land and title of the entire island. In Samoan culture, a family is more prestigious if they own a lot of land; and family members (especially males) receive greater titles and a bigger share of the land. According to oral tradition, when High Chief Lilomaiava caught anyone from the east side on the west side of the island, he would force them to climb
4240-418: The evening meal and lasts about half an hour. It is usually signalled by the sound of a conch shell or the ringing of the church bell. The sa usually means no loud noise or walking through the village commons. Matai sometimes stand by the side of the main road, which pass through village land, to slow down traffic until prayers are over. Tourism is overseen by the government Samoa Visitors' Bureau, situated in
4320-530: The extended family. Traditionally, male and female roles are defined by labours and tasks, chiefly status and age. Women play an important role contributing to family decisions as well as village governance. Elders are revered and respected. Social relationships are dictated by cultural etiquettes of politeness and common greetings. The Samoan language has a 'polite' and formal variant used in Samoan oratory and ceremony as well as in communication with elders, guests, people of rank and strangers. In all villages,
4400-506: The family moved to north London and there he served as a clerk to an iron foundry . He also took some interest in smithing. There his employer's wife first took him to church and he was immediately drawn to this, and the pastor, Rev Nathan Wilks, enrolled him in a class to prepare for the ministry. However, his heart quickly became set on missionary work. In September 1816, the London Missionary Society (LMS) commissioned him as
4480-410: The famous United States Exploring Expedition led by Charles Wilkes . The survey of Savaiʻi was performed by Lieutenant-Commandant Ringgold aboard the U.S. Brig Porpoise. Wilkes and other ships in the expedition were surveying Upolu and Tutuila at the same time. The Porpoise first touched down at the village of Sapapaliʻi . Some of the team, Dr Pickering and Lieutenant Maury were dropped off while
4560-467: The island such as Manase on the central north coast. These are small local businesses run by families within their villages and most of the income goes directly back to the community. There are island tours, diving, fishing, plantation trips, treks and other tourism related activities. Most shops are closed on Sundays with a few re-opening after church services in late afternoon. Every day, evening prayer ( sa ) takes place in every village around dusk before
4640-671: The island which mainly services chartered flights. A local market (open Monday – Saturday) at Salelologa sells fresh produce of fruit, vegetables and local crafts. There are also clothing stores, several small supermarkets, a wholesaler, petrol stations, bakeries, budget hotels and accommodation, buses, taxis, rental car companies as well as public amenities such as internet access, banks and Western Union money transfer outlets. There are small local shops in every village around Savaiʻi, selling basic groceries. Markets and most shops in Samoa close on Sundays with smaller outlets opening late afternoon after church services. The main hospital on Savaiʻi
4720-433: The island, sometimes used for yachting. Savaiʻi has an excellent tar-seal road circling the island. A leisurely drive around the island takes under 3 hours. The scenic drive is mostly along the coastline where most of the locals live in villages. Driving in Samoa is on the left side of the road, effective from 7 September 2009 when the government changed the law to bring motoring in line with neighbouring countries. Samoa
4800-415: The killing when she reached the village of Fualaga. Over the course of battle, Nafanua forced the enemy back to the border of their own territory. One tradition holds that she forgot her father's order, and it was only when the wind blew strong enough to lift her tiputa (coverings) that she remembered. The enemy warriors surrendered in shame when they realised that they had been outclassed by a woman. There are
4880-412: The lead female role in the film was Faʻagase, a girl from Lefagaoaliʻi . The film also showed the young hero 'Moana' receiving a peʻa , a traditional Samoan tattoo. Savaiʻi island lies north west of Upolu. These two largest islands of Samoa are separated by the Apolima Strait which is about 8 miles (13 km) wide with the small inhabited islands of Manono and Apolima between them. Savaiʻi island
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#17328728369974960-610: The majority of people are largely sustained by plantation work and fishing with financial assistance from relatives working in Apia or overseas. Most people live in coastal villages although there are some settlements inland such as the villages of Aopo , Patamea and Sili . Behind the villages are cultivated plantations with crops of taro , cocoa koko , coconuts popo , yams palai , ʻava , fruit and vegetables as well other native plants such as pandanus for weaving ʻie tōga fine mats and bark for tapa cloth . There
5040-475: The men did not know she was a woman. When they discovered that she was a woman, they decided to end the war. They felt humiliated because there was only one woman among several men fighting the war. Suafoa – Tauaʻi Immediately Nafanua cut down the Toa tree and left it there to dry. A few days later, she returned to the area where the Toa tree was cut and discovered that the tree had attracted many Pule (seashells). "E gase toa ae ola pule". Literally this means that
5120-422: The mission in Samoa. They set foot on the island of Savaii at Puaseisei's village of Safune, before arriving at Sapapalii on the 24th of August, 1830, to meet with Malietoa Vaiinuupo who had sole power over Samoa following the death of his rival Tamafaiga. Williams' meeting with Malietoa proved a success, as Malietoa accepted Christianity immediately. The Williamses returned in 1834 to Britain, where John supervised
5200-445: The most meaning." The tropical climate and fertile soil results in a variety of flora. Vegetation types include littoral, wetland and volcanic vegetation. Rainforests include coastal, lowland and montane forests (above 500m elevation). Cloud forests are located in the highest elevations of the island which are often under cloud cover with wet conditions. At Mt Silisili, cloud forest occurs above 1200 m elevation. The Savaiʻi forest
5280-417: The north coast in the village district of Safune . Another figure of legend is Tui Fiti , who resides at Fagamalo village in the village district of Matautu on the central north coast. The village of Falelima is associated with a dreaded spirit deity called Nifoloa. Savaiʻi is known as the "Soul of Samoa." "Here the 20th century has put down the shallowest roots, and the faʻa Samoa —the Samoan way—has
5360-455: The political history of Samoa. This traditional Pule authority was centred in certain villages around Savaiʻi. In the early 20th century, these Pule areas on Savaiʻi island were Safotulafai , Saleaula , Safotu , Asau , Satupaʻitea and Palauli . Safotu, Asau, Satupaʻitea and Vailoa ( Palauli district) gained 'Pule' status at different times in the 19th Century, and together with the two older Pule districts, Safotulafai and Saleaula, became
5440-448: The prime minister Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi in March 2010. The announcement of the tourist development raised concern among environmental group O Le Siʻosiʻomaga Society about the impact of the development. The Samoa Hotel Association also expressed concern at the size of the development and its impact on the island's environment and infrastructure. The development is supported by
5520-715: The printing of his translation of the New Testament into the Rarotongan language . They brought back a native of Samoa named Leota, who came to live as a Christian in London. At the end of his days, Leota was buried in Abney Park Cemetery with a dignified headstone paid for by the London Missionary Society, recording his adventure from the South Seas island of his birth. Whilst back in London, John Williams published
5600-457: The rest of Samoa, Savaiʻi is made up of villages with most of the land collectively owned by families or ʻaiga . Most people on Savaiʻi, 93% of the island population, live on customary land . The heads of the family are called matai , the holders of family names and titles. An extended family can have a number of chiefs with different chief titles. Men and women in Samoa have equal rights to chief titles which are bestowed by consensus of
5680-401: The seas, rain, harvest, villages, and war. There were two types of gods: atua , who had non-human origins, and aitu , who were of human origin. Tagaloa was a supreme god who made the islands and the people. Mafuiʻe was the god of earthquakes . There were also a number of war gods. Nafanua , Samoa's warrior goddess, hails from the village of Falealupo at the west end of the island, which
5760-420: The shells are living but the Toa tree is dead. But metaphorically speaking, although we have great strength and power as human beings, we do not succeed if we do not have wisdom to make a good, solid decision. It takes courage to make wise decisions. Before leaving for battle Saveasiʻuleo ordered Nafanua, "A paʻia le pa i Fuʻalaga, aʻe le tuli auʻa le Aliʻi o Aiga". This translates to Nafanua being ordered to stop
5840-457: The six Pule centres on Savaiʻi. In 1908, the 'Mau a Pule' resistance movement to colonial rule, which grew to become the national Mau movement , began on Savaiʻi and represented traditional authority against the German administration of Samoa. The equivalent term 'Tumua' is associated with traditional authority on Upolu island. At the local level throughout Samoa, traditional authority is vested in
5920-483: The south-west coast is owned by locals and was one of the first tourism accommodations attracting surfers. Other surfing spots around Savaiʻi include breaks off the villages of Lano , Aganoa Beach by Tafua , Lefagaoaliʻi , Lelepa and Fagamalo . In 2008, an American company South Pacific Development Group (SPDG) obtained a 120-year lease for 600 acres (2.4 km ) of prime oceanfront customary land in Sasina , to build
6000-482: The vicinity and in order to expand his ministry he built a ship from local materials, Messenger of Peace , in fifteen weeks. He set sail by November 1827 for the Society Islands , not returning till February 1828, when he then removed his family to Raiatea . John Williams arrived in Samoa in 1830, among his crew, a Samoan couple, Fauea and his wife Puaseisei, who joined them on their voyage and proved pivotal in
6080-413: The village of Satoʻalepai on the central north coast where large sea green turtles ( Chelonia mydas ) are kept by the locals as an eco-tourism experience for visitors and provide extra income for communities. Another turtle habitat is at the village of Auala on the north west coast. Salelologa is the main port and township, situated at the east end of the island where the inter-island ferry terminal
6160-468: The western side of Savaiʻi is the home of Nafanua. Falealupo is also the site of the entryway into the spirit world Pulotu . Often chiefs from distant villages and islands would come to Falealupo to seek Nafanua's blessings before beginning any military adventure. In 1989, the Chiefs and Orators of Falealupo bestowed the title of Nafanua on ethnobotanist Paul Alan Cox for his conservation efforts in protecting
6240-400: Was set up on the central north coast village of Fagamalo , which had a wharf and anchorage. Fagamalo was the main village for the colonial administration at the time on Savaiʻi, situated where the small post office is today. In its present unprotected state, Western Samoa is a hazard of first magnitude for the defense of American Samoa. The conclusion is inescapable that if we don't occupy it
6320-481: Was the site of Millennium 2000 celebrations and reported by the BBC as 'the last place on earth to enter the new millennium.' Falealupo also has protected rainforests. Savaiʻi has surfing off reef breaks all around the island, with more waves during summer on the north coast and the south coast in winter. The conditions are not for novice surfers and there can be dangerous undercurrents and rips. Satuiatua Beach Fales on
6400-543: Was under the charge of a Tongan missionary. At the 'north point' of the island, the brig found 'good anchorage' in the bay of Matautu (where the village of Fagamalo is situated). The brig was anchored and the harbour surveyed. Wilkes' wrote that this was the harbour on the island where a vessel could anchor in safety. Here, in Matautu, the explorers noticed a difference with other parts of Savaiʻi. A great difference in form, physiognomy and manners...was observed here, as well as
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