Traditional Indigenous Art Forms

About the Book

The need to preserve, perpetuate, and promote the rich Samoan heritage, as reflected in and symbolized by traditional material art forms, cannot be understated. This book endeavors to briefly document the origins of Samoans and their way of life, or fa’a-Samoa. The book also describes the production methods and cultural significance of the traditional art of siapo decoration, weaving of ‘ie toga, and wood carving with the hope that preservation, perpetuation, and promotion of these art forms will allow Samoans to realize their hopes and aspirations of sustained enhancement of their cultural richness.

About the Author

Shiraz I. Mishra, MD, PhD, has traveled extensively in the Pacific. Educated in India and the United States, he has carried out field research among the Polynesians and Micronesians in the US Territories of American Samoa and Guam. He has a special interest in the preservation and perpetuation of indigenous art forms. He and his wife, Elaheh, live in Los Angeles, CA. Daniel Pouesi's work has appeared in national magazines and publications. He is married with three children and lives in Carson, California where he operates KIN Publications.