Day 5: Family Meeting in Sasina

Leasi & Tupa'i

Leasi, Tupa'i, Tupua'i, other Mata'i and family

My father-in-law, affectionately referred to in this blog as "the chief" is actually a matai, counselor to the paramount chief in the village, and a chief in his own right. A couple of years ago, the matai council in Sasina bestowed the title of "Tupa'i" on him, which means "mighty warrior." Because of some of the work he has done with the town in advising them on some economic development projects, esepecially a 400-room resort in their share of the jungle, and his close friendship with Leasi, the paramount chief, they gave him this title to honor him for looking out for the interests of the town, literally protecting the village in these times of change and new kids of encounters with the industrial world. Here are some pix from our family meeting, on our first full day in the village.No'osa shows me the family church, next door to Leasi's home.

The "old man", the old Leasi died last week. Until his burial (this Saturday), all work has stopped in the village except preparations for his funeral. Here, a woman prepares a 30' fine mat to present to his family.

Nu'usa shows me the family church.