Click on this link to take a virtual tour of the ancient stone mound in the village of Pōtini, Sa'anapu. Using a 360-degree camera means you can look all around you as you make your way to the Tia. You walk or fly there.

HERITAGE | ART

Reviving Samoan Heritage Through Creativity

With the financial contribution of the European Union and the support of the Secretariat of the OACPS, Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States.

VISION

Preserving Heritage for the Future

The Tiapapata Art Centre HERITAGE | ART Projects envision a future where Samoan cultural heritage thrives by blending traditional crafts with modern creativity.

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CRAFTS

Explore the Artistry of Samoan Heritage

STONE TOOLS

For centuries, stone tools like the to‘i fafau (hafted stone adze) were central to Samoan life. These tools shaped fale (houses), canoes, and ceremonial objects, symbolizing the ingenuity of Samoan craftsmanship.

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PAPER

Drawing inspiration from the traditional art of siapo, HERITAGE | ART explores contemporary applications of Samoan patterns and motifs through innovative paper products. These creations blend the timeless beauty of siapo designs with modern sustainability practices, offering a fresh interpretation of Samoa’s artistic heritage.

POTTERY

Pottery, a link to Samoa’s ancient Lapita culture, reveals the artistic and functional craftsmanship of Samoa’s earliest communities. HERITAGE | ART is rekindling this heritage through workshops that teach traditional clay preparation, hand-building, and firing methods.

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SENNIT

Sennit, or ‘afa in Samoan, is a braided cord made from dried coconut husks. It was a fundamental material in traditional Samoan life, used for binding structures like fale (houses) and canoes, as well as for ceremonial and decorative purposes. The intricate process of creating ‘afa showcases the resourcefulness and craftsmanship of Samoan culture.

COMMUNITY

Unity Through Heritage

HERITAGE | ART fosters community through workshops, field trips, and symposia, offering hands-on experiences in Samoan crafts and cultural preservation. Together, we celebrate Samoa’s rich traditions.

HERITAGE | ART In Numbers

WORKSHOPS HELD

30+

ARTISANS AND EXPERTS

200+

PARTICIPANTS ENGAGED

3D MODELS

COLLABORATION

Our Partners

HERITAGE | ART is one of the few initiatives in Samoa actively preserving and documenting the nation’s cultural heritage. Through fieldwork, partnerships with experts, and 3D modeling, it highlights the artistry and traditions that shape Samoan identity.