Tuamasaga


Tuamāsaga is a district of Samoa, with a population of 95,907. The geographic area of Tuamasaga covers the central part of Upolu island.

History &; Politics

Malie & the Malietoa

The paramount matai title of Tuamasaga is the Malietoa title. Led by Auimatagi, Sa Malietoa and the nine senior orators of Malie are responsible for the election of the Malietoa title-holder at Niu'ula in Malie. Given that the district of Aiga-i-le-Tai and the district of Fa'asaleleaga on Savai'i are two key footholds of the Aiga Sa Malietoa, Malie often consults with Manono and Safotulafai in the election of the Malietoa.
The village of Malie is the seat of the Malietoa.
At a national level, the Malietoa title is one of the four Tama-a-Aiga titles. Apia, the nation's capital, is situated in the north of the district. The national parliament also sits at Mulinu’u to the west of Apia, and the main seaport is situated at Matautu to the north of Apia around the shores of Apia harbour.
Afega, Safata and the pāpā titles
The paramount pāpā titles of Tuamasaga are Gatoaitele and Vaetamasoalii. Afega is the seat of Gatoaitele. Once a decision is made, the village of Afega, through the chiefs Fata and Maulolo, must lead the bestowal process on behalf of the Fale Tuamasaga. Safata is the seat of the Vaetamasoalii pāpā. These pāpā titles are usually bestowed upon the highest matai of Tuamasaga and one of the four Tama-a-Aiga of Samoa: Malietoa.
Historically, the Fale Tuamasaga meets at Afega in times of war and at Malie in times of peace.

Tumua

Together with the faleiva of Leulumoega and the faleono of Lufilufi, the lead orators of Malie & Afega comprise the group of tulafale alii'' who speak on behalf of Upolu on matters of state - the Tumua.

Archaeology

has uncovered earth mounds and archaeological remains at the village of Vailele in the sub-district of Vaimauga, on the central north coast to the east of Apia.