NUS takes Samoa’s Traditional Sinnet Garments to a Global Audience

Apia, Samoa – 30 July 2024 – The National University of Samoa-Faculty of Business and Entrepreneurship (FOBE) launched the ‘Afa Project’ – an initiative aimed at promoting and preserving Samoa’s rich and vibrant cultural heritage for future generations.

The project is led by Aliimalemanu Dr. Bernadette Samau Sila, Head of Department for Management and Marketing; and Muliagatele Sesilia Lauano, Head of Department for Accounting and Economics.

Through this collaborative project, NUS has donated four traditional Samoan sinnet garments to four prominent museums in Europe, showcasing Samoa’s cultural textile artistry and craftsmanship to a global audience.

The ‘Afa Project has three primary objectives: to promote and preserve Samoa’s cultural heritage, encourage and empower emerging researchers to engage in research and publication, and creating local and international collaboration opportunities. The project was made possible through funding provided by the Education Sector Funding (ESF).

The talented weavers, Falenaoti Juliana Joy Tuiletufuga and Sala Tuiletufuga Ulu designed and crafted the beautiful garments that are now on display in the Europe museums. The team behind this impressive project consists of Aliimalemanu Dr. Bernadette Samau Sila, Muliagatele Sesilia Lauano, Falenaoti Juliana Joy Tuiletufuga, her daughter Sala Tuiletufuga Ulu and Rachel Bell.

Afa Garment presentation to the Übersee-Museum Bremen Germany.

Dr. Bernadette and Muliagatele represented NUS and departed Samoa on June 14th to visit four museums in Europe: Übersee-Museum Bremen in Germany, Wereld Museum in Leiden, Netherlands; The National Museum of World Culture in Stockholm, Sweden; and The Museum Five Continents in Munich, Germany.

During their journey, they delivered six presentations at the museums before proceeding to Prague, Czech Republic to present their conference papers.

The sinnet garments donated to the museums are a representation of Samoa’s rich cultural heritage and each garment was officially handed over to the museum directors, adding to their respective collections.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to share our cultural heritage with the world,” said Aliimalemanu Dr. Bernadette Samau Sila, the project leader. “This gesture not only preserves our cultural traditions but also promotes cross-cultural understanding.”

The donation of these exquisite traditional sinnet garments to prominent museums in Europe is a significant achievement of the National University of Samoa that will pave the way for future collaborations and research initiatives.

NUS – Faculty of Business and Entrepreneurship (FOBE), Afa Project Launch at NUS Visions Restaurant;
Dean – Leasiolagi Tapu Iemaima Gabriel, Head of Department Tourism, Hospitality and Office, Toetagata Manuao Tema, Project leader: Aliimalemanu Dr. Bernadette Samau Sila, Project Members: Muliagatele Sesilia Asi Lauano, Falenaoti Juliana Joy Tuiletufuga and Rachel Bell. Weavers: Falenaoti Juliana Joy Tuiletufuga & daughter, Sala Tuiletufuga Ulu.