item details
NameThe high chiefs' Ta'imua taking the oath of allegiance
ProductionThomas Andrew; photographer; 14 August 1900; 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
Dimensions153mm, 200mm
Registration NumberO.002264/01
Credit linePurchased 1950
Overview
Large group of men look on a a ceremony of allegiance takes place. (The Ta'imua was the upper house representing the leading districts in Samoa during the nineteenth century. When German rule began in Samoa in March 1900, the Imperial Governor re-established Ta'imua and appointed four holders of the highest titles to that group (Tupua Tamasese, Tuimaleali'ifano, Saipa'ia and Fa'alata). Their role was to advise Mata'afa Iosefo the Ali'I Sili (Paramount chief) who was also appointed by the Imperial Governor.)