Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The fourth day of the Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture saw a live visual arts demonstration in painting & cultural arts, educational exchange during the Pacific led symposium and encore performances at the Bishop Museum.

One of the highlights for American Samoa is the live demonstration at the Visual Arts display happening at the Museum.

One of the youngest members of the American Samoa group,17-year-old Talanoaifaivaoalii “Talanoa” J. Lagafuaina, at the FestPAC is American Samoa’s representative in this area of festival events, which showcases native artists and their works — in this case through a painting demonstration by Talanoa, whose works are deeply rooted in the traditions and stories of the Pacific.

According to a government media release, “the live demonstration was a highlight of the festival, offering attendees a unique opportunity to witness the artistic process in real-time. Talanoa’s dynamic and expressive style, coupled with his deep cultural insights, made a lasting impression on those present.

“The young artist’s dedication to preserving and celebrating Pacific art forms through contemporary mediums resonated strongly with the festival’s spirit.”

Talanoa is accompanied by his mother, Mrs. Maria Lagafuaina. They will be also traveling to Washington, D.C. at the end of the month to present his Congressional Malofie award winning painting of two native women.

Continuing with live demonstrations, but also including ‘hands-on’ participation, Visual Arts lead, Regina “Reggie” Meredith Fitiao hosted a class in collaboration with co-artists Puataunofo Tofaeono and Deliah Paopao, of Samoan tapa making.

The Siapo team welcomed visitors to join as participant observers, allowing them to craft their own tapa and experience being a siapo maker themselves.

The Siapo mini-workshop had two components:

1  The discussion-based segment involving Reggie and the team emphasizing the significance of Siapo in American Samoa; and,

2  the practical — taking the discussion to a hands-on level allowing those who attended to have a chance to engage in making siapo or tapa.

According to the media release, after the siapo workshop, the young visitors expressed their gratitude to Reggie and the team by performing a short Hawaiian chant.

“This heartfelt gesture took place following the presentation of their completed siapo pieces.”

Also at the Bishop Museum, Su’a “Wilson” Uilisone and his assistants focused on two traditional ta tatau. The individuals who received their tattoos were Wesley Brewster and Zachery Falelua Alesana. The tatau, also known as a pe’a, is the male version of the traditional Samoan tattoo or malofie, which is said to imbue those who complete the process and ‘wear’ it with courage, spirit and strength.

Traditionally it was usually received by men of rank and men who would ‘serve’ (tautua). Today, it has become a symbol of the Samoan identity worldwide.

“Wilson” will also begin working on two sisters who will each be receiving a Malu.

The Malu is the female version of the malofie. It is was often described as ‘delicate’ lace protecting and sheltering female beauty, confidence, and courage. In traditional terms, it was usually only received by women who were taupou, or of rank. Today, many young Samoan women receive a malu to identify their cultural roots.

(Source: ASG media release)