The Pulemelei stone mound in Savai’i is archaeologically significant to Polynesia and the Pacific and should become a heritage site in Samoa.

That is the view of retired 92-year-old Australian geologist Tuapou Warren Jopling who has lived in Savai’i for over 40 years and has published a book on Samoa’s geological and natural history.

In an interview with the Samoa Observer, he appealed for the consideration of the Pulemelei mounds as a prime national heritage attraction due to its importance to the Pacific. 

Making reference to his book, which was published by the Samoa Tourism Authority (S.T.A.),  Tuapou described the ancient structure as “Pulemelei step pyramid” and it is Polynesia’s largest ancient rock structure.

"Archaeological investigations between 2002 and 2005 determined two stages of construction, firstly between 900–1000 AD (the time of Tongan occupation) then the upper steps between 1400–1600 AD," Tuapou wrote in his book on the Pulemelei.

During an interview with this newspaper at the weekend, the retired geologist made reference to a conversation with archaeologist Prof. Helene Martinsson-Wallin, who had conducted excavations with the National University of Samoa (N.U.S.) at the site.

"The Professor, Helene, gave me her book on the Pulemelei excavations and signed it herself," he said. 

According to Prof. Helene, the Pulemelei stone mound at the Letolo plantation is the largest in the Pacific, added Tuapou.

"Similar monuments have been found in other West Polynesian Islands but Pulemelei is the largest."

Dionne Fonoti, a Samoan anthropologist and researcher who is currently studying for a PhD in Hawaii, was also heavily involved in the field work by the N.U.S. Center of Samoan Studies. 

She alluded to the stone mound as a very important cultural heritage to Samoa and the region.

"It signifies a lot of history of the region and Samoa as it is the largest stone mound in the Polynesian region,” she said. 

“Samoa is in a special place for that purpose and to highlight the stone mound as an important heritage is tremendously significant when it comes to our history and to who we are as a people.”

The Pulemelei stone mound is on a tentative list of world heritage sites, according to Tuapou, and it should be given national recognition.

"It deserves recognition as one of Samoa's prime visitor's destinations but it is presently abandoned, vine-covered and impossible to find without a guide," he said.

According to the retired geologist there is no evidence of surety on the purpose of the pyramid, though he suspects it probably had administrative or religious usage, but is unlikely to have been a burial site. 

He added that a geo-radar survey indicated stacked rock layers but no inner or underlying chamber and it might have been an excellent watch tower in the ancient days.