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Eruption of Matavanu Volcano, Savai'i Island, Samoa

Object | Part of Photography collection

item details

NameEruption of Matavanu Volcano, Savai'i Island, Samoa
ProductionThomas Andrew; photographer; 1905; Sāmoa
Classificationgelatin silver prints, photographic prints, black-and-white prints
Materialssilver, photographic gelatin, photographic paper
Materials Summaryblack and white photograph, gelatin silver print
Techniquesblack-and-white photography
Dimensions16, 21
Registration NumberO.001154/01

Overview

Lava flow from the 1905-1910 eruption on Savaii. Photograph shows the north-eastern coast of Savaii where the lava flow entered the sea. The volcano which erupted was Mt Matavanu. Now known as the Saleaula lava field, the Mt Matavanu eruption buried five villages. Several churches were also destroyed. Sea visible (in bottom section of the image), land and billowing clouds also in sight.