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56-534: Falefa is headed by the descendants of its two founders - Moe’ono Falealoga ( tulafale-alii or 'matua' ) and Leutele Leutogatui ( matuaalii), the sons of Tui Atua Lemua'iteleloloa and his wife, Leateafaiga. It is situated in the Anoama'a 1 electoral constituency which itself is situated within the larger ancient political 'district' of Anoama’a, a province of Atua . Atua is headed by the Tui Atua (sovereign of Atua),

112-460: A Tafa'ifā (holder of all four pāpā titles) status as King or Queen of all Samoa (excluding the Manu'a Group). However, these titles are usually contested exclusively among Samoa's royal lineages, each with a paramount title holder and a titular figure in whom the mana (honour) of the family is represented. These are called tama-a-'āiga ('sons of the royal families'). Sa Tupua and Sa Malietoa are

168-544: A number of years. When he heard that the Queen, the grandchild of his brother, was in Lufilufi, he and the other chiefs of Fagaloa sent at once two orators to invite her to their village. Salamasina accepted and promised to be with them on the following day. As soon as they set sail the seas were very rough and treacherous.The always cautious Sooa’e suggested that they anchor at Musumusu where they could put up at Foganiutea. After

224-456: A short time Lona was reached. There were but a few Tongans about, but they all prostrated themselves as Salamasina proceeded to the house of Ulualo. The gray headed chief bade her welcome and expressed his regret that, on account of ill health, he had not been able to call on her at Musumusu. Salamasina then inquired about the news from Tonga. Ulualo answered, “The last boat arriving from Tonga brought bad tidings. It seems that Vaetoe, your mother,

280-480: A sign from Ulualo, more strangers who until then had been hidden, came forward to join their comrades. When the ever watchful Sooa’e saw this, she ordered the Salelesi, her attendant, to go and blow the shell to call the several Samoan ships into the harbor. Ulualo and his Tongans, greatly startled, pricked their ears. Fear and astonishment showed in their faces when they saw several huge Samoan boats come into view. As

336-501: A title once held by the seer Tui Ātua Leutele (called Tui Atua Leutelelei'ite) in the 10th century, during Samoa's period of antiquity. Since the 17th century, this mantle has been occupied mainly by one of the two Tama-a-'āiga (maximal lineage chiefs) of Ātua's Salamasina line: Tupua Tamasese and Matā'afa . Together with the village of Salani, Falefa is home to one of Samoa's main political families, 'Aiga Sā Fenunuivao (descendants of Fenunuivao, wife of King Muagututi'a and mother of

392-541: Is a traditional exclave of Atua and is its easternmost point located in what is now American Samoa . The Tui Atua title is bestowed at Mulinu'ū ma Sepolata'emo, in Lufilufi, the capital of Ātua by the Faleono (House of six) orator group of Lufilufi, who are vested with the authority to appoint the Tui Atua and whose authority is reflected by its title as Matua o Ātua , (the elder of Ātua). These six tulafale also summon

448-429: Is alive. Her sickness is a lingering one. It is believed she is suffering from an aito who is eating away at her lungs.” “She would like to see you before she rejoins her ancestors. So curtail your visit here and let us go to Tonga before it is too late. The boats you see in the harbour are among the best we have and they will afford you every comfort for the long journey. The Tongan warriors will see to your safety.” At

504-708: Is from his lifetime that the known pre-European history of Samoa associated with the Tui Ātua and its holders began. The current Tui Ātua is former Prime Minister, Head of State and tama-a-aiga, Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi . The two paramount matai titles of Ātua are the two Tama-a-aiga titles of Tupua Tamasese and Matā'afa , respectively belonging to the two main noble lineages of Ātua: Sā Fenunuivao (descendants of Salamasina through Fenunu’ivao, adoptive mother of Tupua) of Falefa and Salani; and Sā Levālasi (descendants of Levalasi, adoptive mother of Salamasina) of Amaile and Lotofaga . Both titles belong to Sā Tupua one of

560-610: Is seriously ill and desires to see you. The boats are ready to leave for Tonga at a moment’s notice and we will gladly take you there if such be your desire.” Salamasina was much upset to hear about the sickness of her mother. So she said, “Why did you not inform me of this immediately? The Tongan boats have been here for many a day. Do you not know that such gross negligence is worthy of the severest punishment?’ Ulualo had not expected her acute observation or this admonition, but astute he was, he replied, “Your Highness will know that in Tonga

616-473: Is sick. He implores you therefore to visit him at Lona for he has news for you from Tonga which he would like to communicate to you himself.” Salamasina thanked them and promised them a reply at a later hour. Thereupon the messengers bowed themselves out and returned to Lona. On inquiring further, the Queen learned that six large Tongan war boats were lying in Lona. They had been there for several weeks, and there

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672-789: Is the tama of the Sā Tupua, the descendants of Salamasina and comprises several notable families and lineages such as Sā Fenunuivao, Sā Levalasi, Aiga o Mavaega and others. Among these families, Sā Fenunuivao is the primary political family of Falefa and Salani and holds overall custodianship and authority over the Tupua Tamasese title. Fuiavailili: The first Tupua King Muagututi'a, son of King Fonoti, married Fenunuivao, daughter of Leutele of Falefa. Because they had no children of their own, they adopted Fenunuivao's nephew Fuiavailili, from Salani, as their son and heir. Upon his arrival in Falefa, he

728-678: The Aleipata district, where he had married Sooa’e. Before his wife had borne his child, Matautia was assassinated by Leifi and Tautolo. Fearing for her life and that of her child, Sooa'e fled Atua and left her family name of Levalasi to the Atua branch of her clan, thus founding of one of the most important families not only in Atua, but in the whole of Samoa - 'Aiga Sa Levalasi. Years later, messengers came from Lufilufi to invite Queen Salamasina and Levalasi (Sooa’e) to visit their town and district. The ladies decided to accept, as one of Salamasina’s titles

784-562: The East, Saoluafata to the west and Lotofaga on its southern border. Oral tradition and archaeological evidence from the nearby Sasoa'a Lapita discovery site in the Falefa valley place the date of settlement in the area to as far back as between 300B.C. According to oral tradition, Falefa was founded by the two sons of Tui Atua Mua’iteleloa and Leateafaiga (daughter of Lufasiaitu of Uafato, Fagaloa) - Moe'ono Faleologa & his younger brother Leutele Leutogitui. Since then, Falefa has been headed by

840-456: The Fale Atua (what can be called the 'parliament' of Ātua), to ascertain its members views on a prospective holder of their papa title when the title is vacant. This 'parliament' comprises the six tulafale of Lufilufi and 13 other senior matai from throughout Ātua. Of those 13 matai, nine are tulafale and four are ali'i. The members of Ātua's governing parliament form an exclusive group, as only

896-584: The Fale Ātua (or parliament of Atua). The fono (meeting) of Atua's rulers takes place in Lufilufi on the great malae of Lalogafu'afu'a. The paramount pāpā title and sovereign of Ātua is the Tui Ātua . The title traces its lineage to Pili, son of Tagaloa-a-lagi. One of the first known Tui Atua was Tui Atua Leutelele'i'ite of Falefa , who according to oral tradition, is said to have been part aitu (God-like) and part tagata (human-like) and lived around 1170 CE . It

952-561: The Kingship. Having waged war successfully for the crown against his kin, Fonoti was proclaimed King in c.1640. He conferred many honours upon those chiefs and Districts that had fought for him and such honours and privileges are remembered and passed down by Samoa's Tulafale (Orator chiefs) in customary salutations down to the present day. For contending with the Manono, Sapapali'i and Saleaumua naval forces and securing his victory at sea,

1008-842: The Queen and kissing her feet, he said, “I deserve death for having brought this armed force into your country. My life and that of all the Tongan warriors is in your hands, yet in accordance with the Samoan proverb, ‘E gase toa, ae ola pule’ (Warriors die, but clemency is remembered), you prefer to be indulgent and let us live. As a token of our deepest gratitude I shall now tell you the whole truth about what happened today.” Ulalofaiga then revealed Leifi and Tautolo's true intentions. Begging for mercy, he explained, “As you know, I have been living here peacefully for many years. Some time ago, Leifi and Tautolo came from Aleipata. They poured fine words and promises into my ears and finally induced me to assemble here

1064-463: The Queen he said, “Your Highness, I hear that this man” – pointing to Ulualo – “is a traitor and a rascal. Say but the word and he shall die at my hand though he is my own daughter’s husband.” Salamasina, however, quieted him saying, “Leutele, let him live, for he is the uncle of my mother and your son-in-law. Yet, if ever again he brings an invading army into Samoa, then his life shall be forfeited.” Ulualo hearing these words, prostrated himself before

1120-586: The Salamasina lineages through his ancestor, Tapumanaia, Salamāsina's husband (from the Fuimaono and Fanene line), and Muagututi'a's ancestor Fofoaivao'ese, Salamasina's daughter with from a previous relationship with Alapepe, (from the Fonoti, Muagututi'a line). Having satisfied the requirements of having direct lineage to Salamāsina and demonstrable link to both lineages and prominent families, Tupua Fuiavailili

1176-550: The administration of the growing district as part of Falefa's council of chiefs. The brothers and their respective heirs traveled extensively throughout their domain - from Lemafatele (known as Le Mafa Pass today) to Sasoa'a (where Lapita pottery remains have been found), to Sauano and Saletele in the Fagaloa bay and the mountains overlooking the valley below where the village of Falefa stands today. In later times, portions of Falefa's lands were gifted by Tuiatua Polailevao to form

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1232-473: The descendants of these two brothers who hold the respective Moe'ono (tulafale-alii or 'matua') and Leutele (alii) titles. Leaving their birthplace at Fagaloa, they established their first settlement at the top of mountains overlooking Fagaloa Bay and the Falefa valley, called Manuao. The settlement was later moved down to the coast to its present site at the northern edge of the Falefa valley. The size of Falefa

1288-597: The first Tupua, Fuiavailili). The family is led by Moe'ono and Leutele of Falefa and Tofua'iofo'ia and Fuimaono of Salani, and is the custodian of the Tama-a-'Āiga Tupua Tamasese title. Both the Tama-a-'āiga Tupua Tamasese and pāpā Tui Atua royal titles are currently held by Samoa's former Prime Minister and Head of State, His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi . Falefa is one of the oldest and largest settlements in Samoa, with its traditional borders stretching from Uafato to

1344-630: The fleet encircled the Tongan canoes, the warriors or Lepa, Lotofaga and Salani descended from the mountains, trapping the Tongan forces anchored at Fagaloa Bay. foiling Leifi and Tautolo's plot to have Queen Salamasina taken away. The two women had turned the tables on their would-be captors. Fully realizing the narrowness of her escape, she turned to Ulualo and said, “What is the meaning of this? How did you dare bring all these warriors into my domain? You no doubt, intended to abduct me and bring disorder to Samoa. I, more and more, can see through you and all

1400-422: The guest house was completely encircled. When she noticed her old enemies Leifi and Tautolo among the group of strangers, she began to fear for the safety of the Queen. Again, Salamasina addressed herself to Ulualo, “Perhaps my mother is already dead. Where is the messenger? Bring him before me so that I may question him myself.” Ulualo answered, “The messenger is in the bush hiding out of fear. I know your mother

1456-459: The leaders of Faleapuna and Fagaloa were granted a district of their own called Vaa-o-Fonoti (literally, Fonoti's canoe). For leading Fonoti's land forces and securing victory on land, Falefa was designated the salutation of Aai o Fonoti or Aai o le Tupu (the seat of Fonoti or seat of the King). Falefa continued as the administrative centre of Fonoti, Muagututi'a and Tupua's respective malo until

1512-430: The lies you told me. Send all your men away at once. Let them depart from our shores this very day. But as for you, you will remain as hostage, and woe to you if any of your men are found here after this night. Out of my sight, and see you obey my orders.” Ulualo, cowed by the passionate words of the Queen, did not stand on ceremony and left at once. The Tongans had seen the danger they were in, and thinking that discretion

1568-516: The messengers are often killed for the bad news they bring. Fearing for his life, the bearer of this message came to me; but being laid up I could not transmit it to you as soon as I should have liked. Hold me therefore excused as well as my poor countryman.” While the above conversation continued, Sooae’s attention had been much engaged by the activities outside. It had not escaped her that the Tongans were gathering in ever increasing numbers. Already,

1624-442: The most senior matai in Ātua can sit in it. The Fale Atua ( 'parliament of Atua' ) decide with the Tui Ātua in matters of war and state. The Fale Atua comprises the six orators of Lufilufi as well as the respective rulers of Falefā, Solosolo, Lalomanu, Lotofaga, Luatuanu'u. Samusu, Saoluafata, Saleaumua, and also Lepā. The line of Tui Atua extends far back into the early history of Samoa, beyond that of Queen Salamasina's reign, to

1680-453: The murderers. On the following morning Salamasina and Levalasi left in a large double boat (alia) and arrived in the harbour of Saluafata in the afternoon. After the evening meal the conversation turned on the political situation in Atua, and Sooa’e heard then that several Tongan war boats (alia) had recently arrived and were still lying in the harbour of Fagaloa. This surprised her and she thought it worthwhile to look into. While Salamasina

1736-556: The official reception of the royal party, Sooa’e told Salamssina all she had heard about the secret arrival of the Tongan boats and begged her to be very prudent in her dealings with the treacherous foreigners. Less than an hour after their arrival, two Tongans emissaries entered the house. Following the custom of their country they prostrated themselves before the Queen and kissed her feet. Then, at Salamasina’s invitation, they sat down and said, “Ulualo, our chief, bids you welcome to Fagaloa. He would have tendered his homage personally but he

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1792-536: The one that has been woven on the Vaa-aitu of Savea Siuleo, and which is known all over Tonga and Samoa by the name of Lagavaa (woven on a ship). Henceforth, I and my house, will be your servants.” One of the early powerful figures of Samoa was Faumuina le Tupufia of Savaii. A direct descendant of Queen Salamasina's daughter, Fofoaivaoese, he was called le tupufia due to being somewhat close becoming King, although never fully attaining it. Despite this, his royal pedigree

1848-399: The political district of Ātua (literally, 'that of Tua'), which comprised the eastern third of Upolu Island. 'Ana founded Ā'ana ('that of Ana), a political district on the western third of the island. The third son, Saga, was born after the twins and so the district he founded was called Tuamasaga ('after the twin'). This was the geographical region between Ā'ana and Ātua districts. Since then,

1904-493: The political district of Ātua (literally, 'that of Tua'), which comprised the eastern third of Upolu Island. 'Ana founded Ā'ana ('that of Ana), a political district on the western third of the island. The third son, Saga, was born after the twins and so the district he founded was called Tuamasaga ('after the twin'). This was the geographical region between Ā'ana and Ātua districts. Since then, the three political districts of Upolu have been called Ātua, Ā'ana and Tuamasaga. Prior to

1960-566: The prevalent power of the time. Since the rise of the tama-a-aiga Tupua Tamasese and later, Mata'afa in the late 1700s, the Tui Atua mantle has remained exclusively between these two, with the exception of Malietoa Vainuupo, Malietoa Moli and Sualauvi I holding it in the aftermath of multiple conflicts. Tui Atua from the time of Tafa'ifā Salamasina onwards: Tulouna 'oe Lufilufi tulouna 'oe le Tumua tulouna lo outou Faleono tulouna le afio o le Tui Atua ma Tupa'i ma Ta'inau tulouna 'Togia'i, 'o le Tui Atua ave au malaga ia te oe, Lufilufi pe

2016-413: The reign of Queen Salamasina, the Tui Atua was held at different times by the ranking alii of Atua, including Lufasiaitu and Mua'iteleloa of Fagaloa, Leutele of Falefa (known as Tui Atua Leuteleleiite), and the tulafale-alii polities of Fuataga and Tafua in Aleipata. From the first Tui Atua to Queen Salamasina and then from her to her descendants, the title has passed down along these lineages according to

2072-483: The sons of Pili, descendant of the Tui Manu'a (sovereign of Manu'a ). According to legend, Tagaloa-a-lagi (Samoa's supreme god), entered Upolu, Savai'i and Tonga from Manu'a island on the eastern tip of the Samoan archipelago. The political divisions of Upolu are said to be traced to his son, Pili. Pili had three sons - Tua, 'Ana (who were twins) and Saga, after whom the political divisions of Upolu are named. Tua founded

2128-470: The three political districts of Upolu have been called Ātua, Ā'ana and Tuamasaga. Located on the eastern third of Upolu, the geography of Atua comprises the mountainous interior separating the northern and southern coasts, the long sandy beaches of the southern coast from Aleipata to Poutasi, and the rocky coastline of Anoama'a in the north. Within Atua is the small itumalo of Va'a o Fonoti, a separate political district surrounded by Atua. The island of Tutuila

2184-454: The time of Fonoti's grandson, King Afoa (later Afoafouvale), who chose to rule from Lufilufi, the centre of Ātua. These honors are reflected to this day in the Fa'alupega o Samoa (customary honorific salutations of Samoa) of the respective villages and in those of Falefa. Historical Background The pāpā titles confer upon individual holders authority over designated territory or, in the case of

2240-400: The two maximal lineages of Samoa. According to one legend, Tagaloa-a-lagi (the Samoan supreme god), entered Upolu, Savai'i and Tonga from Manu'a island on the eastern tip of the Samoan archipelago. The political divisions of Upolu are said to be traced to his son, Pili. Pili had three sons - Tua, 'Ana (who were twins) and Saga, after whom the political divisions of Upolu are named. Tua founded

2296-401: The two principal royal lineages from whom many other high titles draw legitimacy and prestige. The older Sa Malietoa family dates back to the 13th century during the Tongan period and comprises Malietoa and his descendants. Sa Tupua came to the fore when it's titular ancestor, Queen Salamasina rose to power. The family is made up of her descendants and is headed by Tupua Tamasese. Tupua Tamasese

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2352-465: The village of Lufilufi after a heavy fishin came abroad and divided their catching fish to all the high chiefs as called lufilufi ina o le i'a o Atua. Other villages are still under the umbrella of Falefa as Falefitu such as Sauano and Saletele in the Fagaloa Bay, Falevao and Lalomauga. Moeono and Leutele's sister named Sina lived at the other side of the village near Lufilufi as part of Falefa. It

2408-515: The warriors you saw. Their aim was to entice you on to a Tongan ship there to destroy you, just as they had destroyed the lives of Matautia and Tamalelagi. Once you had been disposed of, they intended to install someone of their choosing as Tui Atua and, if possible, to have him recognized as your successor, i.e. as Tupu of Samoa. Since seeing the failure of their evil plans they now have fled. But they will try again, so beware of those two traitors. Furthermore I have here one hundred fine mats. Among them,

2464-419: The west cape of the bay. Bid them come in at the sound of the conch shell and surround the Tongan ships. Let another message be sent to the well armed warriors of Lepa, Lotofaga, and Salani. These shall come over the mountains and approach Lona from the rear so secretly that no one would suspect their presence." The next day, a long row boat manned by twenty warriors was held ready for the Queen and her party. In

2520-405: The years, the two brothers served Sina with kindness and loyalty. Later on, one brother moved to Savaii and lived with his family. Sina then married and had her first son whom she named and called Tialavea. Sina formed her village and called it ole Fale ma Puna in short Faleapuna by the two brothers from Manono who served her with great deals. Puna was called bestowed the title Molio'o whose tasks

2576-628: Was a gifted land to their sister Fale and his brother Puna travelled from Manono to visit King Fonoti (their kin) and to get some food for their blind father was very ill. Upon returned back to Manono after seen King Fonoti. They received a very sad news that their father had already appointed and distributed all his matupalapala and mavaega to other people. With great disappointed and sadness, they returned back and rested at Sina's house for water and food. Whilst conversing with Sina, she told them to stay with her and would inform her brothers Moeono and Leutele about their grievous sadness and pain. Later on,

2632-414: Was given the name 'Tupua' and was thereafter known as Tupua Fuiavailili, the first Tama-a-'āiga. As the child was now the sole heir to King Muagututi'a, the powerful orator groups of Pule and Tumua performed their customary right of saesae laufa'i (investigating one's genealogical links) enquiring as to whether he possessed the necessary genealogical links in order to be worthy of tafa'ifa honours. Thus it

2688-466: Was inspecting the surroundings of the village, Sooa’e, who had stayed behind, tried to obtain more information about the Tongans now at Lona, Fagaloa. She soon learned that Leifi and Tautolo seemed to be on the best of terms with the strangers. This was rather interesting news for her, and she suspected that trouble was brewing. Ulualofaiga, brother of Tuitoga Faaulufanua, was married to a Samoan woman of Leota’s family. He had been living at Lona already for

2744-443: Was proclaimed the first Tama a 'Āiga and succeeded Muagututi'a to becoming King ( 'Tupu Tafa'ifā' ). Atua (district) Ātua is an ancient political district of Samoa , consisting of most of the eastern section of Upolu and the island Tutuila . Within Samoa's traditional polity, Ātua is ruled by the Tui Ātua together with the group of six senior orators of Lufilufi and 13 senior matai from throughout Ātua, comprising

2800-455: Was revealed that Fuiavailili's biological father was Fuimaono, and biological mother Sa'ilau, descendants of Fanene and direct descendants of Queen Salamasina's son and second child, Tapumanaia. King Muagututi'a himself was descended from Queen Salamāsina's eldest child, Fofoaivao'ese. Thus it was that Tupua Fuiavailili, through both ancestral lines, was the first ruler of Samoa to have inherited from both of Queen Salamāsina's children, re-uniting

2856-535: Was such dissatisfaction in the village as the people found it extremely difficult to find food for so many visitors. None seemed to know the purpose of the Tongans’ malaga. Levalasi, who had a deeper understanding of the strangers doings said, “Tomorrow we shall sail to Lona in order to find out what all those Tongans want in Samoa. But as I fear trickery on their part, send secret messages to Lufilufi, Faleapuna, and Falefa to come in their war canoes and lay in wait behind

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2912-669: Was such that a centralised location was needed to centralize governance. 'O le Faleupolu o Sagapolu' - the administrative centre of Falefa - was created and in which both Leutele and Moe’ono reside. It is from this site that their successors continue to govern Falefa down to the present day. Other sub-villages (4) followed; Saleapaga followed by Sagapolu, Gagaemalae & Sanonu. Moe'ono and Leutele bestowed titles on prominent individuals, creating leading Ali’i (sacred chief) titles Alai’asā, Lealaisalanoa and others who in turn, established 'vassal' houses of their own (called ‘Matai tautua’ to serve. These leading chiefs assist Moe'ono and Leutele with

2968-411: Was that of Tui Atua, she could not lightly turn down the invitation. Lufilufi was the (capital) of Atua and a potent supporter of her government. Levalasi rejoiced at the thought of the visit, for it would afford her an opportunity to meet her many relatives in that district. Besides, she had by no means forgotten the crime that had been perpetuated upon her husband and still entertained hopes to discover

3024-433: Was the better part of valour, they were much pleased to carry out Ulualo’s orders. As these events unfolded, Sooa’e noticed that Leifi and Tautolo had disappeared. Their friendship with the Tongans and their general attitude were suspicious and Sooa’e, who had never trusted them, was determined to find the truth. At this moment, Leutele, the leader of the Falefa fleet, entered the house swinging his mighty war club. Addressing

3080-483: Was to take messages or molimolioo feau poo finagalo o Sina or a word of Sina to her brothers, or to where she wished to. These villages are historically tied to Falefa through their founding and through centuries of intricate political manoeuvering. Many years earlier, Tui Atua Togiai, the victor of the war of succession, had established his residence at Foganiutea in Fagaloa. His grandson Matautia lived in Saleaumua in

3136-419: Was undeniable, a fact that would set the stage for one of the great sagas in Samoan history. Faumuina had three children, two sons and one daughter. The sons were named Fonoti and Vaafusuaga and the daughter was named Samalaulu. They are commonly known in the traditions of Samoa as “The Three of Faumuina.” Each child was by a different mother so that after the death of their father they individually contended for

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