The mission of the Museum of Samoa is to safeguard Samoa’s cultural heritage. It houses several artifacts and exhibitions and conducts educational programs and tours. The collection depicts the Fa’a Samoa (the Samoan way), its history and its tropical environment. It also displays some of the Pacific Islands artifacts. The museum also houses 3,000 year old pottery and stone adze discovered in Samoa.
Earlier this year the Museum of Samoa made an announcement that it was “expanding its walls” by creating a mobile phone app and on online site to expand on the history and culture sites of Apia. It is a natural project for the Museum, which is mandated to increase public understanding of Samoa’s unique and interesting history and culture.
The launch of this expansion was Titled Smart Management of Heritage Sites in Apia “The Malamalama Trail,” and was accompanied by a photo exhibition donated by the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand and a presentation of the app content. The app is an answer to the researchers of the museum collection, students of Samoa and afar, tourists, and the general public’s interest. The museum plans to continue to develop more and engaging content.
The Museum of Samoa’s App project, is funded by a Tourism Development Initiative Grant. This is developed between Scope Global and Pacific Islands Trade and Invest, as part of their Strategic Alliance, to help support tourism initiatives.
Click here to visit the Museum of Samoa’s Website.
Samoan fales
A little about Samoa…
According to legend, Samoa is known as the “Cradle of Polynesia” because Savai‘i island is said to be Hawaiki, the Polynesian homeland. Samoan culture is undoubtedly central to Polynesian life, and its styles of music, dance, and visual art have gained renown throughout the Pacific islands and the world.
Over a century ago, European Colonial powers had arrived in Samoa which led to the Samoan islands being divided through the 1899 Tripartite Treat. This resulted in the Western islands of Samoa becoming a German Colony, while the Eastern islands became a territory of the United States of America. The German Administration was in Samoa for 14 years, followed by New Zealand in 1920. Samoa was the first Pacific country to gain Independence in 1962.
The local population is mostly indigenous Samoans. The port city of Apia is the center of local government and trade, and the economy revolves around agriculture, lumber and tourism.
Island Time 