NUS showcases traditional Samoan Sinnet clothing to global audience

Apia, Samoa – July 30, 2024 – The National University of Samoa’s School of Business and Entrepreneurship (FOBE) has launched the ‘Afa Project’, which aims to promote and preserve Samoa’s rich and diverse cultural heritage for future generations.

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

Through this collaborative project, NUS donated four traditional Samoan silk screen garments to four renowned European museums, showcasing Samoa’s cultural textile arts and crafts to a global audience.

The ‘Afa project has three main objectives: to promote and preserve Samoa’s cultural heritage, to encourage and empower emerging researchers to engage in research and publication, and to create opportunities for local and international collaborations. The project is funded through the Education Sector Fund (ESF).

Talented weavers Falenaoti Juliana Joy Tuiletufuga and Sala Tuiletufuga Ulu designed and created the beautiful garments, which are currently on display at the European Museum. The team behind this impressive project consists of Alimalemanu Dr. Bernadette Samau Sila, Muliagatele Sesilia Lauano, Falenaoti Juliana Joy Tuiletufuga, her daughter Sala Tuiletufuga Ulu and Rachel Bell.

Afa clothing on display at the Übersee Museum in Bremen, Germany.

Dr Bernadette and Muliagatele left Samoa on 14 June on behalf of NUS to visit four museums in Europe: Maritime Museum in Bremen, Germany, World Museum in Leiden, Netherlands, National Museum of World Cultures in Stockholm, Sweden, Museum of Five Continents in Munich, Germany.

During their trip, they gave six presentations at museums and then traveled to Prague, Czech Republic, to present conference papers.

The sinnet garments donated to the museum represent Samoa’s rich cultural heritage and each garment was formally handed over to the museum’s curator, adding to their respective collections.

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

The donation of these beautiful traditional sinnet costumes to a renowned European museum is a significant achievement for the National University of Samoa and will pave the way for future collaborations and research initiatives.

National University of Singapore – Faculty of Business Administration and Entrepreneurship (FOBE), Afa Project launched at NUS Visions Restaurant;
Dean – Leasiolagi Tapu Iemaima Gabriel, Head of Department of Tourism, Hospitality and Office of Toetagata Manuao Tema, Project Leader: Alimalemanu Dr. Bernadette Samau Sila, Project Members: Muliagatele Sesilia Asi Lauano, Falenaoti Juliana Joy Tuiletufuga and Rachel Bell. Weaver: Falenaoti Juliana Joy Tuiletufuga and daughter Sala Tuiletufuga Ulu.