Who Are the Samoans?
The Samoans are a Polynesian people of approximately 200,000 in independent Samoa, 55,000 in American Samoa (a US territory), and over 300,000 in diaspora (New Zealand, Australia, US mainland). They speak Samoan, considered one of the oldest Polynesian languages, and maintain fa'a Samoa (the Samoan way)—a comprehensive cultural system governing all aspects of life. Samoa is believed to be "the cradle of Polynesia," from which voyagers settled much of the Pacific. Despite colonial divisions creating two Samoas, Samoans maintain strong cultural unity and one of the Pacific's most intact traditional societies.
Fa'a Samoa
Fa'a Samoa (the Samoan way) is a comprehensive worldview governing social organization, family life, ceremonies, and values. Central concepts include aiga (extended family), matai (chiefly titles), tautua (service), fa'aaloalo (respect), and alofa (love/compassion). The aiga functions as the core social unit; individuals exist within family context, not as isolated persons. Obligations to family supersede personal desires. Fa'a Samoa has proven remarkably resilient—Samoans worldwide maintain these values, adapting them to diaspora contexts while preserving core principles. Critics note tensions between fa'a Samoa's communal demands and individual rights.
The Matai System
Matai are titled chiefs who head extended families and make village decisions. Titles belong to the aiga, not individuals—families select worthy members to hold them. High chiefs (ali'i) and orator chiefs (tulafale) have different ceremonial roles. The fono (village council of matai) governs local affairs through consensus, administering customary law and settling disputes. Only matai could vote in Samoa until 1990; they still elect some parliamentary seats. The matai system provides governance without Western-style individualism, though debates continue about adapting traditional authority to democratic principles.
Tatau - Sacred Tattoo
Samoan tatau (tattoo—English borrowed this Polynesian word) represents one of the Pacific's most elaborate body art traditions. Pe'a (male tattoo) covers the body from waist to knees in intricate geometric patterns; malu (female tattoo) is lighter, covering thighs. Receiving tatau is extremely painful—traditionally done with bone combs and ink made from burnt candlenut. The process takes weeks and cannot be left incomplete. Tatau marks passage to adulthood, demonstrates courage, and embodies Samoan identity. The tradition survived missionary opposition and has experienced revival, with master tattooists (tufuga) maintaining ancient techniques alongside modern practitioners.
Contemporary Samoa
Samoa (independent since 1962) and American Samoa (US territory since 1900) share culture but different political systems. Independent Samoa has faced economic challenges, relying heavily on remittances and aid. The 2009 tsunami killed 189 people, highlighting climate vulnerability. American Samoa, while US-affiliated, maintains fa'a Samoa more strictly—non-Samoans cannot own land. Globally, Samoans have achieved prominence in rugby, American football, and wrestling. Churches play central roles; Christianity has been thoroughly indigenized. How Samoans balance fa'a Samoa with global integration while facing climate change shapes their future.
References
- Mead, M. (1928). Coming of Age in Samoa
- Shore, B. (1982). Sala'ilua: A Samoan Mystery
- Macpherson, C. & L. (2009). The Warm Winds of Change: Globalisation in Contemporary Samoa