Fue (fly whisk)

This is a fue (flywhisk) from Samoa. It is an an item of regalia used by Samoan tulafale (talking chiefs). They are carried by tulafale or high chiefs when they are acting as an orator and presenting lauga (ceremonial speeches). Said to resemble fly switches in appearance, the whisk portion of the fue is usually made from 'afa (sennit braid). 'Afa is often described as one of the most, if not most important item of material culture in Samoa due to its many uses. 'Afa can be used for fishing, adornment, constructing houses and boats, as part of tattoo instruments, or in this case, featured on objects that are of significance in Samoan ceremonies and customs like oratory.

Construction

'Afa is the most popular material used in the making of fue but there are examples featuring the use of horse hair, that were exclusively reserved for high chiefs. This fue is made from lengths of braided horse hair attached to a wooden handle that is smooth, uneven in profile and circular in section. Where the horse hair attachment begins on the handle there is a tight binding of string.

Lauga (oratory) in Samoa

In Samoa, lauga is usually presented in two main settings: either indoors within a fale (house) or outdoors on the malae (village green). In the 20th century, there were different conventions for presentation and content in each context. Fue with short tassels were made for use inside a fale, while those with long tassels were made for use outside. An orator using a fue will often make several movements with it before he commences his speech.

Form and content of lauga

Lauga is the strongest and most prestigious of the language arts in Samoa.  Through lauga, the production of some of Samoa's great leaders, thinkers, and powerbrokers has occurred. Performances maintain and enact important social and cultural values. On a practical level, lauga present a protocol for proceedings at ceremonial and formal gatherings. Speakers will acknowledge ancestors and remember the past while at the same time dictating and managing the course of events. The style of lauga varies with context, sometimes speakers must stick closely to established protocols, at other times, occasions allow for more informal and competitive expression.

Acquisition history

This fue is part of a collection of items collected by James B. Fleck and his wife Florence Fleck (nee king). J.B. Fleck came to New Zealand in 1912, and served with the NZ Army Occupation Force in Western Samoa from 1915-1919.