Tia Seu Lupe
Tia'ave
Star Mound


Right down the street from the school (and my apartment) is located a star mound. I've taken my class there twice in the past two weeks since it is in walking distance. It is kind of a neat place. We went accompanied today by a guide from the Historical Preservation Office.

Star Mounds were built on Samoan islands as far back as 400 years ago. Researchers have located around 150 such mounds on the islands, but there are some who think there could be more than 1000 that have not yet been found. It has been estimated that this one was built between 100-250 years ago because the mound walls were still in fairly good condition when it was found.


The star mounds were used for the chiefly sport of pigeon catching. Different chiefs would hide themselves at different rays of the mound and use a decoy to lure unsuspecting birdies into their grasps. He who ended up with the most birds won. This sport was only practiced by chiefs. In fact, it was taboo for anyone other than a chief to eat the meat of a pigeon. That all changed when the missionaries arrived. Not only did they bring their religion; they also brought guns. The missionaries also were not very fond of the sport (heaven forbid someone have fun) and discouraged it. The combination of guns and Christian pressure led to the downfall of the sport. For a better explanation of the star mounds, visit the American Samoa Historical Preservaion Office's website.

Like many other places on the beautiful island of Tutuila, the Tiaseulupe Park is also being invaded by garbage.


God bless Samoa.

It is a crying shame. The park was leased by the government from the land owners, and Parks and Recreation is supposed to maintain this historic site. Unfortunately, it has become overgrown with bush, and the neighbors are using the park as a dumping ground. My students were outraged. I was so proud of them. They are planning a service project to go and clean the park.

----------------------------

I just watched an episode of Will & Grace, and it really depressed me.

What's wrong with me?