House of Iliganoa
Iliganoa; A prominent Taupou title in particular areas of Samoa and American Samoa.
After seeing Lanatina’s incredible work creating the Teuga Fa’a Samoa (Traditional attire) I was inspired to reach out to her to see if she wanted to create something together.
This series is a tribute to her culture, her land, and the incredible women who are the backbone of the Samoan people.
Watch the documentaries.
Malu is a word in the Samoan language for a female-specific tattoo of cultural significance.
Tuiga is a ceremonial headdress from Samoa created from a central Pale Fuiono decoration, Feathers and a hairpiece.
Fa'a Samoa in the Samoan language means The Samoan Way. These outfits created from many elements of the Samoan culture.
Sale'aula is a village and mountain on the central north coast of Savai'i island in Samoa. This image runs through the portraits.
Born in Samoa and raised in Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia, Maryann Talia Pau’s weaving practice is based on exchange and collaboration.
Lanatina Ah Kuoi, founder of House of Iliganoa, has a genuine love for all things Samoan inspired by the teachings of her Grandmother Tivalo and by her mother in-law Salamasina.
Lisa is the co-creator, writer, director, designer, choreographer and performer for the international smash hit Hot Brown Honey.
The portraits we all came together to create serve as a documentation of this rich culture. We hope for these images to live on for many generations to come.
Credits:
Directed and painted by Avraham Vofsi
Cinematographer by Jeanne Khin
Editor by Geraldine Dougherty
Additional photography by Albert Ah Kuoi & Gillie
Words by Avraham Vofsi, Lanatina & Albert Ah Kuoi