Two Samoan Ie Sina return home after 148 years in Australia

By Jeannie Penehuro/

Apia, SAMOA – 4 November 2026 – Two Samoan Ie Sinas were returned to the Samoa Culture & Arts Centre and Museum this week after 148 years where they were safeguarded at the Victoria State Museum.

The Ie Sinas were presented by representatives of the Victoria Museum in the presence of the Minister of Education & Culture Aiono Alec Ekeroma, the New Zealand High Commissioner, Her Excellency Si’alei van-Toor and UNESCO’s Resident Representative, Sadar Umar Alam.

Si’alei van Toor acknowledged the return of the prestigious artifacts and that New Zealand was happy to assist in a small way in funding part of the events through the Lagi Mama Academy.

She also said New Zealand has a high regard for such artifacts especially when it connects to history.

Opportunity to reconnect
The Minister for Education & Culture, Aiono Alec Ekeroma said the return of the two Ie Sina offers people in Samoa an opportunity to reconnect with the objects, share knowledge and contribute to the stories and history associated with the collection.

The Ie Sina inspection after it was kept at the Victoria Museum in Australia for 148 years

He said the Ie Sina holds a special place in Samoan culture and identity. “It represents more than a treasured cultural object,” he said.

Aiono acknowledged the Samoa Culture & Art Centre partnership with the Victoria Museum, Lagi Mama Academy and UNESCO Pacific for its continued support in making this possible.

He said the Ie Sina reflects the knowledge, skills, creativity, values and traditions passed down through generations of Samoan women and communities.

He added that cultural objects held in overseas museums can contain knowledge that is best understood through engagement with the communities they come from.

UNESCO Resident Representative Mr. Alam said the arrival of the Ie Sina and Ie fuipani is more than the movement of cultural objects between museums.

“It is an opportunity for reconnection,” he said.

Safeguarding heritage
The reconnection and safeguarding heritage is part of UNESCOs platform and according to Alam, the initiative was especially important for young people.

He said UNESCOs work on preservation of culture and heritage takes them a step back to past history, the present and the future.

A display of the Ie Sina collection followed with school students and guests inspecting and admiring the intricate weaving of such great artifacts.

Part of the event is a three-day workshop where participants are discussing ways to safeguard and protect Samoan cultural heritage and will culminate in an Arts Exhibition on 11 November.