The iCross-Cultural Citizen Project- Our Indigenous World: Samoan Westernization-Group 7: Samoan Art:

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Samoan Art:

Unlike other Polynesian islands, no early examples of sculpture of human style exist. Carving and sculpture, surprisingly, did not exist in Samoa. A major part of Samoan culture was warfare.

The arts seem to lack activity with the exception of the tapa. Tapa is material made from inner barks of a paper mulberry tree. It serves as sail material, clothing, and a symbol of wealth in Samoa. It usually has a reddish-brown or black color to symbolize geometrical designs.

The climate is not good for preserving organic material. Since many items were made from plants that grew around them, it is not surprising that very minimal proven early provenance exists today. Other Polynesian areas had access to materials, which meant tools for making large and detailed carvings in wood or stone could be created.

Two other issues could have led to the departure of Samoan artifacts. War was a huge part of Samoan life, and it was common for villages on the defeated side to be completely destroyed. A Samoan chief's death was a dramatic tragedy for one of the Samoan villages, and the significance was sometimes being manifested in destruction of the village by the people. Passing through what may look like the scene of a battle, someone can find inhabitants exhibit their dismay from losing an important member.

Bibliography:

Samoan Sensation

2004: Samoan Art. Electronic document, http://www.samoa.co.uk/art.html,

accessed July 21, 2013.

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Background Information:
Welcome to the Samoan Islands, home
to some of the most beautiful islands and parks known to mankind. This island
has a rich history of interesting stories that delve into the Westernization of
a once native culture as well as the preservation of traditional Samoan
culture. Since the 1960’s, the Samoan Islands have experienced the influence of
Western European and American culture. However, although many traditions and
practices of the tribes of native Samoans are being compromised, the people of
Samoa actively work to preserve their cultural practices. Many Polynesians have
successfully fought for the preservation of their land, language, and culture
to leave their rightful mark on the Samoan Islands. In the Samoan Islands you
will find Americans, Westernized Samoans, and traditional Polynesians all
living together in an attempt to keep peace and work harmoniously.

Geographic Location:

The Samoan Islands are divided into two territories: Samoa and American Samoa. The American Samoa consists of seven islands that lie southwest of Hawaii. To the west of the American Samoa are the oldest Samoan Islands. Majority of Samoans reside on Tutuila, which is a well developed Urban area with the famous Pago Airport that welcomes many visitors. The next closest island is the Aun’u Island. To the East, there are the islands of Ofu, Olosega, and Ta’ u. These Islands are home to the world’s most beautiful beaches and are frequently visited by tourists. The original Samoan Islands lie farther west. They are the islands of Upolu, Apolima, and Savai’i. These areas have some of the richest tropical ecosystems that the Samoans have fought to protect over many decades.

Bibliography:

U.S. Department of the Interior

2010: Field Study of the Effects of the 29 September 2009 Samoa Tsunami

U.S Department of Commerce

Tuitila Map and American Samoan Information. Electronic document,

http://www.esrl.noaa.gov/gmd/obop/smo/smoinfo.html, accessed July 15th, 2013.

The Vision:

The iCross-Cultural Citizen Project’s vision is to create an online cross-cultural space for students, professionals, and youth to learn and exchange cross-culturally sensitive information about contemporary indigenous experiences. From that outsider student’s perspective, we will try to theoretically explore possible collaborative solutions to problems that affect the indigenous populations of our planet. Finally, we hope for the future creation of a space where indigenous youth can share their experiences and their realities with us for real mutual collaboration to take place