The Ofaga o Sa’ili’iliga National University of Samoa Research Museum has recently revealed an exhibition featuring over 30 artefacts that have been returned to Samoa. 

The exhibition, named Atalilo, was ceremoniously opened by Deputy Prime Minister Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio. 

According to the Director for Samoan Studies, Ta’iao Dr Matiu Matavai Tautunu the museum was named Ofaga o Sa’ili’iliga as it holds the lost "measina" (treasures) of the country and the museum would serve as a centre to showcase these cultural artefacts. 

“It gives me great pleasure and honour to see the museum unfold today, I’m just so happy to be witnessing the return of our measina,” said Ta’iao. 

The director's favourite piece from the collection is a Va'a Taumualua. During Samoa's civil war, these seacrafts reached lengths of 60 to 70 feet. Today, the model sits in a small confined box that can sit in the palms of two hands. 

"It's my favourite piece because these seacrafts no longer exist, and now that we have it - we can learn how to make them again," said Ta'iao.

These artefacts which have been reserved for over a century, are now being displayed at the newly established museum, which cost SAT$50,000, funded by the Ubersee Museum through the foreign office of Germany.

The museum includes wooden cabinets, air conditioning, and iPads as well as a glass showcase of the tatau showcasing the different measina collection. 

Vice Chancellor Professor Tuifuisa’a Patila Malua Amosa of the National University of Samoa expressed her pride in the collaboration with Ubersee Museum, which began in 2020. 

She mentioned that the university is dedicated to preserving Samoan culture and language and the research museum will be a valuable resource for students undertaking studies on the culture and history of Samoa

“We are the top university in the Samoan culture and language. Having the research museum here will greatly assist our students who are planning to conduct research on the culture and the history of Samoa,” said Tuifuisa’a.

Tuala in his speech emphasised the significance of the returned artefacts, quoting Prime Minister Fiame Mataofi Mataafa, "Samoa is our treasure."

“Referring to not only our physical existence but also our fa’asamoa,” said Tuala. 

This sentiment was echoed by Ta’iao, who expressed a feeling of gratitude at witnessing the culmination of their long collaboration with the museum. 

The museum is now open to the public, and the University is currently making decisions regarding potential entrance fees. Artifacts on display range from the Samoan siapo (tapa) different stones used for carvings, seacrafts and the display of the tatau. The artifacts will be in the museum for three years before its return back to Germany.