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The photograph, taken in Mulinu’u, shows a group of Sāmoan men and women in front of a row of customary fale. The long shapes of the fale indicates that they were utilised as dwellings. Woven pola blinds provide privacy and protection from the elements. Two men can be seen in the process of thatching the roof of the centre fale. Its front is missing its cover. Material culture in Sāmoa revolved around local resources. Generally, the entire plant was used for a range of products. The palm tree, for instance, provided a variety of crafted tools and utensils. Its trunk served as a structural component in fale, the leaves’ midribs were used for roof panels, and woven midribs for blinds.

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