Samoans are the largest group of full-blooded Polynesians in the world, and have retained much of their tradition and culture. The ‘Fa’a Samoa’, Samoan way of life, is complex, but well-defined, and is still very much in existence. Cultural and social factors determine a way of life rich in respect, responsibility and kindness. The core of the Fa’a Samoa is the Aiga, or extended family unit, and members of the Aiga are very close and fiercely loyal.

A number of Aiga comprise a village, which is a well-structured entity, and everyone knows exactly what role they must fullfil and how they are expected to behave. A ‘Matai’ or Chief, is appointed head of the Aiga, and respect, obedience, duty and cooperation is expected of all. The Matai is responsible for the wellbeing of the Aiga, the Aiga’s land, and is the Aiga’s representative in the Village Matai council or ‘Fono a Matai’.

The ‘alii’ or high chiefs, and the associated ‘tulafale’ or orator/talking chiefs, form the Fono a Matai, and are the legitimate village law-makers and decision-makers, with the village women’s committee also having a major role in village affairs.

The traditional Samoan ‘fale’ or house, is an important component of the Fa’a Samoa. Unique in its design and construction, the fale is oval or round in shape, with a thatched roof supported by wooden posts with a pebble or broken coral floor covered in woven mats. The absence of walls allows ample ventilation in the hot climate but provides little privacy; mats or blinds of woven palm fronds provide temporary walls during rain or high winds. The few material possessions of the Aiga are neatly placed inside the fale and all affairs – eating, talking and sleeping etc, are all conducted on the floor of the fale.