The government in Samoa has received public backing for its drive to stop inferior fine mats being presented at public events.
The government wants to support the crafting of traditonal fine mats, "ie o le Malo" which are larger and more detailed than the inferior mats which have come into fashion.
These mats are often rolled into bundles of ten before being presented.
Now three matai from Solosolo say the bundles of poorer quality mats will no longer be accepted by their village.
They say when the mats are unwrapped they are often damaged, very small or not as numerous as promised.
The government wants to see ie o le Malo being displayed at public events and for only one to be presented, in line with previous traditional custom.
