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Photograph taken on location in Samoa during filming by the National Film Unit (NFU) of the United Nations (UN) Mission visit in 1947. Related to ref. F768 ‘Weekly Review 311’ (1947). A delegation from the UN meet with the Paramount Chiefs of Samoa and the Fono a Faipule, among others, to determine the wishes of the people regarding independence from the New Zealand Trusteeship.
Exterior mid-shot showing a group of young men and women performing an item while sitting down. They wear matching uniforms comprising a titi (a piece of material that is tied around the waist, with strands of another material attached to it) and an ula lei (necklace made of fresh flowers). The men also wear a lau ti (tea plant leaf) wrapped around their heads, an aute (hibiscus flower) behind their ear and small curved marks on their cheeks. These may be made traditionally, with soot from the pots used for cooking on outside fires, or with lipstick, which modern Samoa uses as an alternative.
Description kindly provided by Va'aomanū Pasifika (Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington) intern, To'aga Alefosio.