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DYWA revives Samoan tradition with ‘afa weaving project
The traditional art of weaving ‘afa (sennit) using fibers from large coconut husks is being revived through a program spearheaded by the Department of Youth and Women’s Affairs (DYWA) and its director Leiataua Leuga Turner.
The program was launched on Wednesday, March 12, during a brief ceremony held at the Utulei Beach and attended by government officials including Lt. Governor Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia.
Nine students enrolled in the Adult Basic Education program at the American Samoa Community College are participating in the program, and they will meet Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for six months to learn and master the ‘afa weaving skill.
Producing ‘afa is a lengthy process that calls for the use of husks from large coconuts (niualama or niu malo), which are soaked in sea water and beaten, before they are dried out and woven to form sennit.
A classic example of ‘afa use can be witnessed inside the Fono guest fale where ‘afa is used to connect lumber and pieces of wood, instead on using more modern building supplies like nails and screws.
In his speech, Lt. Governor Ipulasi said that reviving the art of ‘afa weaving is a long time coming, as it is one thing to say that we can do something, and it is another thing to actually do it.
He said that he is saddened by the fact that ‘afa is no longer produced locally, causing a snag in plans to erect a number of traditional Samoan fales to be completed in time for the 10th Festival of Pacific Arts set to be hosted locally beginning July 20.
According to Ipulasi, the need for ‘afa has resulted in orders having to be placed in the neighboring islands of Samoa, Savai’i, and Manu’a.
Everyone who attended the launching of the project got a first hand glimpse in to the art of weaving the ‘afa, which has become a popular adornment for fashionable clothing like puletasis for women and safari shirts for men.
Leiataua rewarded the honored guests with their very own niu ‘afa which they were encouraged to plant.
DYWA invites all interested students to join the program. More information can be obtained by calling 633-2836.
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