The kavadrinking bowlis just as old as the Samoan culture. It dates to Samoan beginnings. A tanoa fai’ava means a kava drinking bowl. In its earliest creation, the tanoa had legs holding up a rimmed bowl. This bowl i… See more

Fly whisks, or fu’e, are used by chiefs and help to show their leadership. Fu’e are often made from coconut fibers or horse hair. They are braided and connected to a wooden handle. Most high-ranking chiefs would hold … See more

A taupou, usually a female and in the ancient times, a virgin female, will prepare the kava for the villagers to drink. Behind the taupou is sometimes a male guardian called the manaia. Ceremoniesin Samoan culture star… See more

The chief orator will welcome everyone and in the beginning, will call out “Ia Minuia”, meaning be happy. He may also include other opening statements, welcoming everyone. He will then take a drink and throw the r… See more