'Ie Samoa, fine mat and its cultural valueSamoa
Representative List 2019
EN: Master weaver Vilelava Vaipae from Lepuia'i Manono was instrumental in the revitalization of 'ie Samoa. As one of the last known weavers of the traditional 'ie Samoa, she accompanied the Women in Business Development Inc. (WIBDI) trainers to introduce the art to women around the nation.
EN: A representative from the Ministry of Women, Community, and Social Development (MWCSD) and master weaver is measuring the 'ie Samoa using her handspan or aga during a monitoring visit to a village women's committee.
EN: Two women from a women's committee displaying a finished weave of 'ie Samoa before it is decorated.
EN: Young daughters often accompany their mothers in the weaving house. These early years of observation of the art of weaving is one of the key ways the practice is transmitted to the young generation.
EN: Men are strong supporters of the women's committee. This has inspired some men to join the women in the weaving process.
EN: Displaying the 'ie Samoa for exchange during a saofa'i or bestowal of chiefly titles ceremony.
EN: Family gathering of members who will be bestowed a chief title, with the 'ie Samoa to the left of the girl.
EN: A young Samoan girl wearing the 'ie Samoa during a traditional dance.
EN: The women of Sagone women's committee in Savaii weaving together one very large fine mat.
EN: The pandanus leaves are cut from the plant and prepared for the weaving of 'ie Samoa.
