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Ie Samoa, fine mat and its cultural value marks_1
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  • Manage No, Sortation, Country, Writer ,Date, Copyright
    Manage No EE00000024
    Country Samoa
    ICH Domain Oral traditions and representations Performing Arts Social practices, rituals, festive events Knowledge and practices about nature and the universe Traditional craft skills
    Address
    The exchange of fine mats is not centralized to a specific geological location or range, but is practiced throughout the country. The distribution of 'ie Samoa is therefore not bound to a particular region, but is in fact as mobile as the Samoan people. The 'ie Samoa is representative of this mobility as the histories of how and why each mat came to a particular place is often recorded in the knowledge of the beholder.
Description The 'ie Samoa is a special finely hand-woven mat that is fastened at the hem with 2 rows of green and red feathers on each end, and a loose fringe on one end. Traditionally woven with fine strippings of the pandanus plant, the final product is silk-like in nature. Its shiny coppery color adds to its value as it is a testament to its age and the natural bleaching process it undergoes from the sun and seawater. The length of 'ie Samoa is traditionally 12x9 aga or handspans of the weaver. This demonstrates its high level of intricacy as each woven strand measures as little as one milimeter in width. Therefore, the production of a single 'ie Samoa can take up to several months and even years depending on the length of the fine mat. Nevertheless, the 'ie Samoa is more than a cultural product of exceptional skills, its true value is demonstrated in its use as an exchange valuable in traditional ceremonies and rituals that serve to reaffirm kinship ties and strengthen community wellbeing. More colloquially known as 'ie toga, the 'ie Samoa is displayed and exchanged at festive celebrations or important gatherings such as weddings, funerals, or religious ordinations. The giving and receiving of the 'ie Samoa contributes profoundly to the maintenance of social structure and is an integral part of the Samoan culture. As objects of the highest cultural value, this traditional art form lies at the foundation of Samoa's rich intangible cultural heritage.
Social and cultural significance The main purpose of the ‘ie Samoa is so that it can be publically exchanged or gifted to demonstrate one's respect and appreciation towards another individual. As objects of the highest cultural value, the ‘ie Samoa is reserved for special occasions or important gatherings such as weddings, funerals, a ceremonies for the bestowal of chiefly titles or saofa’i, or other important ceremonies such as the opening of a new church or maota, meeting house. In certain celebratory occasions, the ‘ie Samoa can be used to dress men or women by wrapping the fine mats around the body. These individuals may be dressed elegantly in an ‘ie Samoa especially if they are of high status, or participating in a taualuga or traditional dance. Another cultural occasion where the ‘ie Samoa is presented and exchanged is during an ifoga, an event for conflict resolution. During an ifoga, the offender who is seeking forgiveness approaches the offended person or party. Like all occasions, the ‘ie Samoa is held in high regard and the offender uses it as a shield to cover themselves as he or she kneels down in front of the offended person or family to express their remorse. The ‘ie Samoa plays a powerful role in diffusing a situation that is highly susceptible to escalate to retribution. If and when the victim or his family accepts the apology, the fine mat is removed from the offender and traditional verbal exchanges take place, leading the two parties toward peaceful coexistence.
Transmission method The knowledge and skills around weaving the fine mat and its ceremonial exchange are transmitted through observation and practice. Skills of weaving was traditionally passed from mothers to daughters from geneations to generations. However, in 1997 a research study found that there were only 5 of Samoa's 339 villages that were actively weaving the traditional fine mat. Instead, women were weaving large fine mats of thick strippings, which many Samoans consider disgraceful in the Samoan culture. This cultural loss was recognized by a local NGO, Women in Business Development Inc. (WIBDI), who today play a pivotal role in how the knowledge and skills relating to weaving are transmitted today. Through their 'ie sae project, WIBDI conducts informal training with weavers around the country to encourage them to return to the traditional fine weaving process. Today, the knowledge and skills around the weaving practice have developed as women and master weavers have established fine mat committees within their villages, which allows them to meet and exchange ideas of best practice for weaving, as well as to discuss opportunities for strengthening transmission of this art form. The male bearers of ceremonial exchange primarily transmit their knowledge and skills on how to perform a traditional ceremony through experiential learning. Traditional gifting is done openly and publicly. Therefore, by participating and observing traditional ceremonies, a Samoan chief or untitled man will know their roles and what is expected of them. There are also publications to assist orators in ensuring their speeches are culturally appropriate.
Community The entire population of Samoa recognizes the 'ie Samoa as part of its cultural heritage. It has been identified that there are 95 active falelalaga or weaving houses that produce the majority of the fine mats being woven today. These villages are located around the two main Samoan islands of Upolu and Savaii, as well as the island of Apolima. Although the production of 'ie Samoa is practiced around the nation, the ceremonial exchange of 'ie Samoa is not restricted within the country's borders. Often these cultural products are exchanged amongst family relations and village communities in Samoa and overseas.
Type of UNESCO List Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
Incribed year in UNESCO List 2019

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