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This photograph shows Sāmoan women, men and children walking on a street in Apia near the Tivoli hotel moments before civil unrest. It is dated to 1. January 1899. During Euro-American settlement, Sāmoa was marred by two civil wars that were fought among its own people. These were further exacerbated by Euro-American forces who supported opposing title contenders and fractions as a way of asserting their power over the indigenous population. Two phases of unrest occurred, both involving battles fought in Vailele. The photograph was likely taken by Thomas Andrew who was on the scene documenting the events from various perspectives.

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