Pandanus trees
Photographer
David Iacono
Date1985
Object number00029945
NamePhotograph
MediumSilver gelatin print
DimensionsOverall: 253 x 204 mm, 0.02 kg
Copyright© David Iacono
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionA black and white image by David Iacono depicting pandanus trees growing in Samoa. Known locally as fala these trees are used widely throughout Samoa with trunks growing distintive aerial prop roots and long narrow palmlike leaves.
HistoryThere are three kinds of pandanus grown and use in Samoa - the paogo, fala and 'ie. The leaves, known as laufala, laupaogo, and lau'ie, are widely used to weave mats, baskets, clothing and building.
The pandanus are traditionally grown in village plantations. The leaves are cut from the plant and soaked in boiling water followed by drying and bleaching in the sun. Once dry, the leaves are rolled and tied into bundles in preparation for weaving.
Laufala are used in popular sleeping mats (fala moe). Elaborate and high ranking mats were called 'ie moega from these came fala su'i which are used today as decorative mats for beds and are often distributed at wedding and have the highest cultural value in the Sāmoa islands.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.
