Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A traditional Samoan musical instrument that disappeared from the country's soundscape more than a century ago is making a comeback, with efforts underway to restore the knowledge of how it was made and played.

The fagufagu, or nose flute in English, once used in traditional music, poetry and ceremonial practices, is being reintroduced through workshops and performances involving Samoan and other Pacific practitioners.

Tanuvasa Tau’ili’ili Alpha Maiava, co-director of Talanoa Arts Forum, is among those 

According to Tanuvasa, the fagufagu began disappearing from Samoa's traditional soundscape during the 1800s, with Christianity, colonisation and Western musical influences contributing to its decline.

Over time, the knowledge of how to construct and play the instrument was also lost as fewer people passed these skills on.

With limited documentation available in Samoa, those involved in the revival have turned to other Pacific countries where similar traditions have survived.

Tanuvasa has worked with Tongan master instrumentalist Tu’ifonualava Kaivelata and the Hikule’ao o Ono’aho collective, known in Samoan as Si’uleo o Anamua.

Tongan practitioner Saia Tuitahi also visited Samoa to demonstrate construction techniques to Galumalemana Steven Percival at the Tiapapata Arts Centre.

In February 2026, workshops were held at five locations across Samoa as part of the Samoa Arts Fono, introducing participants to the fagufagu and other traditional sound practices.

Tanuvasa said the instrument was beginning to appear more frequently in performances, although much of its traditional knowledge remained to be recovered.

“While the instrument is now appearing more frequently in performances, much of the deeper knowledge surrounding its construction, cultivation, and traditional use is only now beginning to be reclaimed,” he said.

The revival aims to ensure future generations can not only play the fagufagu but also understand its place in Samoan culture.