Fagogo

Fāgogo is a word in the Samoan language to describe a type of storytelling of the Samoa Islands.[1] It is called "a performing art, almost a type of theatre, where people, events and stories are brought to life through the skills, voice and action of a narrator".[1] There are several collections of Samoan fāgogo, the most notable being those collected by Augustin Kramer, Brother Herman, and Richard Moyle.

Samoan fagogo has also influenced the writings of contemporary Samoan writers like Sia Figiel.

Fāgogo stories often tell of the lives of archetypal figures like Sina in the legend Sina and the Eel, Tinilau, and a legendary Tuimanu'a (as different from the historical Tui Manu'a). The story of Sina and the Eel (Sina ma le Tuna) is associated with the Mata o le Alelo pool in the village of Matavai, on the north coast of Savai'i, in Sāmoa.

References

  1. ^ a b Sean Mallon. Samoan Art and Artists: O Measina a Sāmoa. Nelson, New Zealand: Craig Patton Publishing, 2002. p. 163.