Unbekannt

1887 - 1919

About the object

This photograph shows a Sāmoan woman in customary Sāmoan attire and was probably taken in John Davis’ studio in Matafele, Apia. She has a siapo mamanu wrapped around her waist, and is adorned with a sei behind her ear, a dark head piece with streaks of ancestral hair, an ‘ulafala and a metal bangle. Her torso is uncovered.
Author: Charlotte Klinge, Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

According to the inscription, the woman is Tamasese’s daughter. Tamasese Lealofi I, son of former high chief Tamasese Titimaea, contested the throne in the late 19th century during Malietoa Laupepa’s rule. His struggle for the title of Tafa‘ifā was cut short by German governor Wilhelm Solf, who sent Lealofi to Germany under the pretence he would get to meet the German Kaiser Wilhelm. In reality, it was a ploy to appoint Germany’s preferred candidate, Mata’afa Iosefo, as the paramount chief.
Along with a group of Sāmoan performers, Lealofi toured through Germany and participated in several “ethnic shows” organised by the Marquardt brothers. Lealofi’s family, including his daughter, joined him and after much deliberation from Solf, were allowed to meet Kaiser Wilhelm.

Author: Charlotte Klinge, Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa