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The Arts and Crafts of Samoa

Samoa’s rich cultural heritage is reflected in a range of traditional arts and crafts that reveal a close affinity the people living in these remote islands had with the natural world; on land and at sea.

The objects featured in the image below are all made at the Tiapapata Art Centre and include:

  • Two hafted stone adzes and one adze

  • Two composite fishing hooks

  • Two hardwood fans

  • ​Three hardwood combs​

  • One large sheet of hand made paper

Assorted crafts_LR.jpg

The deep connections Samoans had with their natural environment allowed artisans to research and create the tools and products that would both enhance wellbeing and enrich their lives. Recognising the dangers of over exploitation, they also introduced "tapu," a traditional mechanism for conservation and environmental protection. 

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