Village Life
It takes a village to raise a Tama’ita’i Samoa (A young Samoan Woman)
OPENING SATURDAY 15 JUNE 1pm
The traditional culture of Samoa is a communal way of life governed by Fa’a Samoa (the Samoan way). There are 3 main parts of our culture. Faith as expressed through our love of God, teachings of the gospel and religion, Family (from our immediate to extended family) and Language as presented through traditional Siva (dance), food cultivation and preparation and the production of traditional arts and handicrafts. Perhaps the most prominent part of Samoan culture is the language used at our formal/traditional events - the process of Fa'aaloaloga, which is the formal presentation of gifts.
Village Life continues our celebrations of Samoan Language Week and also the 57 Year Anniversary of the Independence of our great nation. The Miss Samoa Victoria Incorporated team will be working with the Victoria Samoan community to present the traditional practices and ceremonies within our culture, highlighting the Samoan language while also providing an insight into common Indigenous practices of the Polynesian, Melanesian and Micronesian way of life (the people of Oceania).
Through a series of activities and presentations, we share how Fa’a Samoa and the Samoan village guides our people to lead their lives through the embrace and celebration of traditional values, culture and environment.
This exhibition will showcase the traditional Ava ceremony, various types of Siva (traditional dance), Samoan musical instruments, traditional weaving processes of making handicrafts, understandings of Tatau and Malu (traditional tattoo), and feature the preparation of umu (earth oven) and sharing of Samoan food. There will also be a screening of rare video footage of Samoan culture and traditions, expressing how language plays an integral role in connecting and celebrating each aspect of our cultural identity.
Image credit: Norah Aloiai - Miss Samoa Victoria 2018/2019
Blak Dot is proud to present another exhibition in our series of celebrations for this year’s 2019 International Year of Indigenous Languages.
Three Weekends full of Culture and Ceremony
Saturday June 15
1 - 3pm: Opening with Ava Ceremony - The ‘ava ceremony is an ancient Samoan ritual that is performed at the beginning of all-important services and gatherings. Typically led by the high chief of the hosting village, the ceremony begins with words of welcome as the participants sit cross-legged on the floor in a circle or semicircle. The proceedings include the preparation and consumption of an ‘ava drink, which is usually followed by a feast.
Sunday June 16
2 - 3pm: Samoa Language: Sulatoga – Learn the Oration to accompany the giving of Samoan Fine Mats. This particular Samoan Custom is recited by women during the exchange of Fine Mats at formal ceremonial or cultural events, for e.g. traditional weddings, funerals, village cultural gatherings. Presenter: Miss Samoa Victoria
Saturday June 22
1 - 2pm: Tatau - Presenter: Lemalu Faatau
2 - 3pm: Samoa Language: Come and learn our language and siva(dance) activity.
Savalivali means go for a walk………. Presenter: Tafailematagi Norah Lio Setu Aloiai
Sunday June 23
2 - 3pm: Pale Fuiono (Head dress) workshop and demonstration with Miss Samoa Victoria Contestants 2019. Pale Fuiono is a traditional hair dress wear by a Taupou or a Manaia when there is a matai title or traditional entertainments (Faafiafiaga). Presenter: Gina Tafea (MSVI Co-Director)
Samoa Language: Sulatoga – Learn the Oration to accompany the giving of Samoan Fine Mats. This particular Samoan Custom is recited by women during the exchange of Fine Mats at formal ceremonial or cultural events, for e.g. traditional weddings, funerals, village cultural gatherings. Presenter: Miss Samoa Victoria
Saturday June 29
1 - 2pm: Learn to Siva Samoa with the Miss Samoa Victoria 2019 contestants.
Siva Samoa is a Samoan term for a Samoan Dance. It requires a dancer to retain grace; movements of the arms and hands are done so in a subtle but delicate manner. It is important for Samoan girls to how to Siva Samoa because it’s the ultimate way to express yourself culturally. In early times High chiefs or Matais performed this special dance but modern days it is performed by a Taupou. A Taupou is a ceremonial hostess selected by a high chief from a Samoa Village from the young girls of his household, elevated to a high rank, and charged with the formal reception and entertainment of visitors.
Sunday June 30
11am: Umu preparation Demonstration: The Umu is a traditional way of cooking, and earthen oven, heated by rocks and covered by banana or breadfruit leaf’s to trap heat and cook food.
1pm: Community To’ona’i(Feast) and Samoa Faafiafiaga(Entertainment):
Performances by the Nesian Pearls and the Miss Samoa Victoria Contestants 2019
