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Mata'afa

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Mata'afa

Mata'afa is a high chief title in Samoa under the country's Matai system of socio-political governance where individuals are bestowed with family names. The historical seat of the Mata'afa title is in Amaile in the Atua district at the east end of Upolu island.

The title was vacant from 1977 (with the death of Mata'afa Fa'asuamaleaui Pu'ela Patu) to May 2011, when it was bestowed upon Mata'afa Tupuola Lui, "an 83 year old village chief of Amaile village".

Title holders

Holders of the Mata'afa title include;

  • Mata'afa Iosefo (1832–1912), a rival for the 'kingship' of Samoa during the country's colonial era.
  • Mata'afa Faumuina Fiame Mulinu'u I (died 1948), a leader of Samoa's pro-independence Mau movement.
  • Was married to a daughter of high chief Malietoa Laupepa.
  • Fiame Mata'afa Faumuina Mulinu’u II (1921–1975), son of Mata'afa Faumuina Fiame Mulinu'u I. First Prime Minister of Samoa.
  • Was married to Laulu Fetauimalemau Mata'afa (1928–2007).
  • Their daughter Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, a high chief and a senior cabinet minister in the Government of Samoa.

    • References

    Mata'afa Wikipedia
    (Text) CC BY-SA