Day 106: To’aga Site, Ofu Island, American SAmoa
📌APIA Every Day (106) - Nestled on Ofu Island in American Samoa, the To'aga site holds immense historical and archaeological significance, spanning nearly three millennia of Samoan history. The site boasts a deep and continuous sequence of ceramics dating back over 3000 years, revealing how early inhabitants shaped the landscape and biota, with the discovery of bird bones suggesting significant impacts on the island's bird population. Meticulously studied, it received notable research funding from the Samoa Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service.
The archaeological findings at To'aga offer insights into the complex interactions between early Samoans and their environment, shedding light on indigenous practices, including subsistence strategies and cultural activities. Moreover, the site serves as a valuable resource for understanding broader migration and settlement patterns in the Pacific region. Today, while the To'aga site is uninhabited, local legends persist, such as the To'aga Aitu. Deeply ingrained in Samoan culture, many locals share eerie encounters and show serious respect for these entities. Historical accounts highlight warnings from islanders about the presence of aitu at the To'aga site, with reports of ghostly visitations prompting the relocation of a dispensary due to persistent disturbances attributed to these spirits, reflecting the enduring cultural significance and spiritual connections in the collective memory of the Samoan people.
LEARN MORE:
National Park Service: The To'aga Site
JSTOR: An Ancestral Polynesian Occupation Site at To'aga, Ofu Island, American Samoa
ResearchGate: Colonisation and late period faunal assemblages from Ofu Island, American Samoa
National Park of American Samoa: The To'aga Aitu
#apiaeveryday #samoan #pacificislander #americansamoa #toagu #ofu #samoahistoricpreservationoffice #toagaaitu #aanhpiheritagemonth #historicpreservationmonth #aanhpihistory #collectivememory
