Mataafa's people delivering arms to the "Badger"

item details

NameMataafa's people delivering arms to the "Badger"

ProductionThomas Andrew; photographer; 1890-1910; 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

Dimensions164, 213

Registration NumberO.002213

Credit linePurchased 1950

Overview

The U.S.S. Badger arrived in Apia on the 13 May 1899. It carried a tripartite commission of the three colonial powers sent to Samoa to report on the causes of the troubles and make recommendations on the future of the islands. "Fighting had ceased when news of the commissions appointment was received in Samoa. But the situation was that of an armed truce ... The commission decided that its first task should be to seek the surrender of all Samoan firearms" (Gilson 1970:430).

Most of Mataafa's weapons were surrendered and delivered to the U.S.S .Badger on 31st May and arrangements made to bring in those that were not. It was reported in the Samoa News (6 June 1899) that "just prior to the departure of the mail steamer 1800 rifles of various patterns and a small quantity of cartridges were taken board the Badger. A large fleet of Mataafa's boats attended at the rendezvous fixed by their chief." In this photograph, a number of fautasi (longboats) are alongside the Badger, some of them with awnings attached.

Reference

Gilson Richard.P.1970 Samoa 1830 - 1900 The politics of a Multi-Cultural Community. Oxford University Press, Melbourne