Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A 'ta’alolo,' or a traditional Samoan ceremony where food, fine mats (ʻie toga), and other gifts are formally presented was performed by the Government of Samoa, as a gesture of high honor highlighting the significance of this milestone, during the dedication of the Maota Fono.

The ta‘alolo began from within Tedi’s Square, the procession advanced in stately fashion, passing the newly dedicated Fono building before continuing on to the Malaeoletalu malae and toward the Pavilion, where honored guests were enjoying their luncheon.

With the Royal Samoa Police Band setting the rhythm and filling the air with Samoan music, the daughter of Samoa’s Head of State led the ta‘alolo, resplendent in traditional taupou attire. She was followed by dancing sogaimiti — young men proudly bearing their tattoos—and other taupou who moved gracefully as the procession made its way onto the Malaeoletalu.

The young tattooed men and women, along with most of the participants in the ta‘alolo, were Samoa nationals employed at StarKist and others residing on-island, who came forward to support the Government of Samoa’s initiative. Their presence embodied both cultural pride and communal solidarity, reinforcing the deep ties that unite Samoans across the islands.

Bringing up the rear were young men proudly bearing massive ‘ie toga, treasured fine mats used only in events of this magnitude, which had been fastened to long poles and lifted high for all to see.

These massive ‘ie toga were presented to honor each of the traditional districts of American Samoa, while suas were bestowed upon local leaders and the servants of God who officiated. In addition, the Government of Samoa offered $10,000 in U.S. currency, along with carcasses of beef, coolers of fish, sausages, sacks of taro, and Samoan koko, a gesture rich in both material and cultural significance.

The Fono reciprocated by presenting more than 50 suas, which included monetary gifts to Rev. Saifoloi, Bishop Kolio, the visiting delegation from Samoa, as well as local leaders, former governors and lieutenant governors, leaders of various churches, and former Speakers and Senate Presidents.

A sum of $100,000 was presented in acknowledgment of the ta‘alolo performed by Samoa, accompanied by cases of chicken, corned beef, and wahoo.

Altogether, the $100,000 and the additional suas announced that day amounted to an estimated $200,000, illustrating the depth of respect and reciprocity shared between the two Samoas.