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National Park of American Samoa Samoan awa ceremony at Pago Pago
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National Park of American Samoa
History & Culture
 
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NPS
Samoan outrigger canoe
 
The Samoan culture is Polynesia's oldest. We believe the first people of the Samoan Islands came by sea from southwest Asia some 3,000 years ago. Over the centuries, distinct cultural traits emerged that we now call fa'asamoa (fah-ah-SAH-mo-ah). From Samoa seafaring explorers and settlers journeyed to other Polynesian island groups hundreds of miles away.
 
Saua
NPS
Grinding stone or foaga at Saua site, Tau.
 Samoan elders conduct an ava ceremony
fa'asamoa
Courtesy requires respect for Samoan ways
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 Samoan family at
Homestay program.
Visit Samoa by staying with a Samoan family.
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Last Updated: December 22, 2011 at 20:13 MST