Sauniga O Le ‘Ava Samoa:
The ‘Ava Ceremony of Samoa
Tauanu’u Perenise Tapu Sitagata
Ill. Ani Huia Ligaliga

 

 Sauniga O Le ‘Ava Samoa: 
The ‘Ava Ceremony of Samoa
Tauanu’u Perenise Tapu Sitagata
Illustrator: Ani Huia Ligaliga
Oratia (2026)
Non-fiction, 32 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 978 1 991353 07 8

 

 

 

Sauniga O Le ‘Ava Samoa:
The ‘Ava Ceremony of Samoa                            

‘The ‘ava ceremony is a Samoan custom that welcomes visitors to a village. It is also a ceremony where the village elders give blessings to new matai in a family.’

This book is a colourful and clear introduction to an important Samoan traditional custom. ‘Ava, known as Kava in other parts of the Pacific, is the official drink at Samoan welcoming ceremonies. Tauanu’u Perenise Tapu Sitagata, a Samoan-born teacher from Auckland, has written a readable and interesting guide to the ‘ava ceremony in Samoan and English.

 

A double-page colour illustration by Ani Huia Ligaliga shows the ceremony in progress with people seated on mats arranged in an open square in the centre of a fale (house). Each person’s role is indicated. The tulāfale (orators) sit at the front, with the party of visitors on their left and the host villagers on their right. At the back are the chief’s daughter who will mix the ‘ava and the young men who will serve it.

 

The text begins by explaining the importance of the ceremony, then introduces the participants in order. The first up is the village orator who explains the purpose of the meeting and calls for the ‘ave sticks to be brought forward.

‘The orator for the visitors lets everyone know what kind of ‘ava sticks the village brought.’

 

After a speech of welcome and a reply, the Tufu ‘Ava (Caller) announces the names of those who will drink at the ceremony. The ‘ava drink is mixed and served. Gifts are exchanged and a meal is provided by the villagers.

One page describes the etiquette observed in the ceremony and there is also an account of the origins of the ‘ava ceremony and some of the traditions surrounding it.

‘Before drinking from your cup, a little ‘ava is poured for God, to thank Him for his love. ‘Ava can also be poured for God’s blessing on everything we do.’

 

The beautiful colour illustrations on every page, by Hamilton artist, Ani Huia Ligaliga, are a vital part of this guide, showing each stage of a typical village ceremony. Each person’s role in the ceremony is clearly indicated and the various implements used – cups, mats and bowls - are depicted. The gifts exchanged, including food and mats, are also shown.

 

I like to think of the ideal readers of this book as young people who have been told they will be taking part in the ceremony as the Tautu ‘Ava (serving people their ‘ava drinks) or as the Ta Fau (cleaning the strainer). The author and artist have done them a service by creating this guide.

 

With so many Samoans living in other countries, books like Sauniga O Le ‘Ava Samoa also have enormous importance for young people wishing to know the proper way to observe the customs of their homeland. At the same time, books such as The ‘Ava Ceremony of Samoa, are equally important for the rest of us who would like to understand the significance of customs like these. By bringing the two together in this bilingual account, Oratia have created a useful resource for every school and library, not to mention many homes.

 

Trevor Agnew

18 May 2026 (Review 3833]