28 Jan 2009

Samoa's Head of State book described as a major contribution to Samoan knowledge

12:12 pm on 28 January 2009

A new book featuring the writing of Samoa's Head of State, Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, is being described as a major contribution to Samoan knowledge and the understanding of Samoan people.

The book, Su'esu'e Manogi, is made up of 18 papers written by the Head of State about his views on the philosophy of Samoa, Samoan's thinking, psyche and way of doing things.

The book, launched last week, includes 14 Samoan scholars providing analysis and commentaries on each of those papers.

Chief editor of the book, Tamasailau Suaali'i Sauni, says the commentary come from scholars of a different generation to his highness' to see how his works about Fa'a Samoa sit with a new generation.

"Samoan society is very hierarchical and as a result, it's often very difficult for those of lesser rank or those who are young or those who have voices on the periphery to be able to have say and we hope that this piece of work has given the opportunity for some of those voices to be heard."

She says she hopes the book will contribute to the preservation of what is best in the Samoan culture.