Maota ma Laoa, the traditional homes and meeting houses of Samoa are collectively known as “fale.” These iconic structures are more than just places to live or meet. They embody deep cultural, social and spiritual significance. However, the knowledge and craftsmanship behind their construction are rapidly disappearing. The project goal is to document the materials knowledge systems associated with the building of a traditional faletele, the circular building used in traditional Samoan society for meetings, and its adjacent cookhouse or tūnoa. Documentation will focus on traditional materials, tools, techniques, and the rituals and ceremonies integral to the process. High-definition video, audio recordings, field notes, and 3D modeling will create a comprehensive archive of endangered knowledge. Rituals from the inception of the construction process through to completion will be recorded to preserve their cultural, social and spiritual significance. In this way, the project aims to safeguard the architectural and cultural heritage of Samoa for future generations.
Niu’afa is the coconut species used to make sennit, the versatile cord used to lash Samoan houses together. The coconuts from this species may well be the longest in the world with husks that can measure up to 50cm in length. Photo credit: Steven Charles Percival.
Retting coconut husks in seawater for up to four weeks is a technique developed by Samoans to facilitate the extraction and preparation of fibres used in making sennit whose primary use in house construction. Photo credit: Steven Charles Percival.
Today, traditional Samoan thatching is made from the leaves of the sago palm (Metroxylon warburgii), a species thought to have originated from Rotuma, hence its Samoan name niu-rotuma. Historically, sugarcane leaves were used, though the specific variety has seemingly vanished from the local environment. Photo credit: Steven Charles Percival.
In traditional Samoan house building, no modern tools are used. In this image, Senior Builder Lea’anā Suiselani stands at a distance, directing the levelling process. Photo credit: Steven Charles Percival.
The pith holding the strong fibres in the coconut husk is removed by beating with a mallet and anvil. Photo credit: Steven Charles Percival.
Master Builder Lesā Laufale Fa’anū is also a skilled maker of sennit, a vital material in his craft. Photo credit: Steven Charles Percival.
Traditional Samoan houses reflect many generations of refined engineering knowledge. Structures are held together by cross members that span from side to side—an ingenious system developed without nails or modern fasteners. This sustainable, lashed construction technique not only ensures strength and flexibility but also speaks to a deep cultural relationship with natural materials and the environment. Photo credit: Steven Charles Percival.
The graceful, sweeping arches of the Samoan house roof are not only aesthetically striking but also conceal remarkable engineering strength within their design. Photo credit: Steven Charles Percival.
The building of a traditional Samoan house is rich with ritual, culminating in the most important of all—the dedication ceremony, celebrating the structure’s completion and readiness for communal life. Photo credit: Steven Charles Percival.
Coconut leaf blinds, when lowered, allow soft, dappled light to pass through their weave, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Photo credit: Steven Charles Percival.
This image of a traditional Samoan meeting house built at Tiapapata was taken not long after completion in 2013. Photo credit: Steven Charles Percival.
Traditional Samoan have woven blinds which can be lowered to keep the rain out. Photo credit: Steven Charles Percival.
PI: Steven Charles Percival
Collaborators: Donna Le Tagaloa Ioane, Iosefa Emile Percival, and Motusaga Faanu
Location of Research: Tiapapata, Sa’anapu, and Vaitele-uta, Samoa
Host Institution: University of St. Andrews
Galumalemana Steven Percival
Leota Fitimaula Donna Aiono Le Tagaloa-Ioane
Lesā Laufale Fa‘anū Motusaga
Peniamina (Benjamin) Percival
Top banner image: This traditional Samoan faletele was built at the Tiapapata Art Centre, Samoa, in 2013. Steven Photo credit: Steven Charles Percival.
