The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Object: Mataafa’s suite, Samoa
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Title / object name  Mataafa’s suite, Samoa
Maker  Role  Date  
Andrew, Thomas  photographer  1890 - 1910  
Medium Summary  black and white photograph, platinum print
Materials  platinum, paper
Dimensions
164 (Height) x 214 (Length)
Classification  platinum prints, black-and-white prints, photographic prints
Technique  black-and-white photography, platinum process
Registration Number  O.002222
Credit Line
Acquired 1950

Mata'afa Iosefo Laiufi, Head of a powerful Aiga (Family Group) with his court (six adult men) in the early 1900s. Mata'afa was acknowledged by Germany as the paramount chief (Ali'i Sili) of Samoa. Mata'afa, the central figure, is wearing an 'ie toga (fine mat). Note the orator chief (Tulafale) to the left holding a fue (flywhisk), and the woman in front (Falala).

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Mata’afa’s suite Samoa
Andrew, Thomas
1890 - 1910		Mata’afa Iosefo Laiufi and court
Andrew, Thomas
1890s

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This electronic record was created from historic documentation. It may not necessarily reflect the best available knowledge about the collection item. Some collection images are created for identification purposes only and therefore may not be of reproduction quality. Some images are not available due to copyright restrictions. If you have additional information or questions about objects in the collection, we encourage you to contact us.