Sauniga o le ‘Ava Samoa: The ‘Ava Ceremony of Samoa

Distinguished educator and orator Tauanu’u Perenise Tapu Sitagata joins with artist Ani Huia Ligaliga to present the ‘ava ceremony, one of the key customs to welcome visitors to a village in Samoa. Drawing on his deep knowledge of fa’asamoa (the Samoan Way), Tauanu’u explains the role of ‘ava (known as kava in Fiji) in ceremonies and welcomes for visitors. With beautiful illustrations by artist Ani Huia Ligaliga, Sauniga o le ‘Ava Samoa outlines the steps in the ceremony and the roles of orators and participants. It explains the items used, food and etiquette of the ceremony, and presentations made between hosts and visitors. The book concludes with the myth of the ‘ava plant’s origin, here for the first time in written form.