They sang and danced as they displayed their finest ie Samoa (mats) and siapo (tapa cloth) in front of the Government Building, yesterday.
They were women from Savai’i and Upolu who had gathered to exhibit their traditional craft to celebrate the National Women’s Day.
Organized by the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development, the annual event is to promote the importance of keeping the art of traditional weaving of fine mats and making siapo making alive.
A press release from the Ministry said that women have contributed immensely to the social, cultural and economic development of Samoa.
“They are the backbone of every family and society and continue to play a crucial role in development at all levels.
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“The revival of the production of the ie samoa and siapo is not only to revive the cultural significance of these arts and crafts, but also to promote women’s crafting as a source of income to contribute to the economic development of Samoa.”
The sustainability of the art of fine mat weaving and siapo making is being promoted through the work of the Ie Samoa Committee which is chaired by Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi and comprised of representatives of government, private sector, Women in Business Development Incorporated and civil society.
The programme is spearheaded by the women’s committees and includes young women and women with disabilities.
Fouina Mata’afa of Fasito’o said that this year, there is an increase of the ie Samoa and siapo. “As an old woman from my village, I am very glad that Government has revived these traditions. Seeing our old ways of living fade away was just disappointing and but having the art of weaving the ie Samoa and siapo making is a dream come true for all of us.”
Mrs Mata’afa hopes that our children will continue the tradition.
The role of men as weavers and supporters in the promotion of the ie Samoa and siapo production is crucial in the sustainability of this important program.
“I am very proud when mothers from my village of Aufaga increased the production of their ‘ie Samoa,” said Talatonu Tanoa’I of Aumaga.
He is thinking of joining the weaving committee this year, as the programme challenges men, to think that if women can do it, so can they.
In addition, the ie Samoa and siapo is a source of income for women who can either trade these on a gift exchange or sell them locally or overseas.
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