Church in western Samoa

Photographer David Iacono

Date1985

Object number00029942

NamePhotograph

MediumSilver gelatin print

DimensionsOverall: 204 x 253 mm, 0.02 kg

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionA black and white photograph by David Iacono of a church in Samoa, showing the entrance with three children seated on its steps. There is a large sculpture of a bible mounted on a low white pedestal at the right of the image.HistoryIn 1830 John Williams, a member of the London Missionary Society, became the first European missionary to arrive in Samoa. He did note that Samoans were already aware of Christianity through their interaction with neighbouring islands. Conversion to the new religion was quick and widespread and in 1848 the first Samoan version of the New Testament of the Holy Bible was printed and distributed followed by the Old Testament in 1855. Religion still plays a prominent role in Samoan society and it is estimated that 98% of the population is Christian. SignificanceThis photograph is part of a series of images taken by David Iacono that depict the traditional landscape and lifestyle of the Pacific Island of Samoa. Iacono attempts to capture the reality of Samoan life rather than that experienced by tourists of expatriates.