Story: Samoans

‘Tapa‘au’

This 1992 lithograph is by Fatu Feu‘u, who was born on the island of Savai‘i and came to New Zealand to study art. His work has given fresh meaning to traditional Samoan motifs. In ‘Tapa‘au’, the Samoan word for a woven coconut mat, the white frangipani blossom and frigate birds are symbols of birth and life.

Using this item

Auckland Art Gallery – Toi o Tāmaki

by Fatu Feu'u

Permission of Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page

Lupematasila Melani Anae, Samoans – Contributions to New Zealand, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/artwork/1632/tapaau (accessed 24 June 2026).

Story by Lupematasila Melani Anae, published 4 March 2009, reviewed and revised 7 September 2022 with assistance from Lupematasila Melani Anae.

Comments

Liberty Teague
18 March 2025

What is the traditional meaning of the four-leaf / flower motif?