Three countries (independent Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga) are combined for the first time to reflect travel patterns to these increasingly popular destinations. This new-look edition features expert chapters by local authors. Lonely Planet multi-country guides are the complete, practical guide for independent travellers the world over, whatever their age, budget or destination. Included are:- Detailed "Getting Started" and "Itineraries" chapters for effortless planning- Inspirational full-colour "Highlights" sections that showcase the country's must-see sights- Easy-to-use grid-referenced maps with cross-references to the text- Insightful new "History," "Culture," "Food" and "Environment" chapters by specialist contributors"Down to earth accurate information for every budget, enthusiastically written." -Travel & Leisure
Christian theologians in the Pacific Islands see culture as the grounds on which one understands God. In this pathbreaking book, Matt Tomlinson engages in an anthropological conversation with the work of “contextual theologians,” exploring how the combination of Pacific Islands culture and Christianity shapes theological dialogues. Employing both scholarly research and ethnographic fieldwork, the author addresses a range of topics: from radical criticisms of biblical stories as inappropriate for Pacific audiences to celebrations of traditional gods such as Tagaloa as inherently Christian figures. This book presents a symphony of voices—engaged, critical, prophetic—from the contemporary Pacific’s leading religious thinkers and suggests how their work articulates with broad social transformations in the region. Each chapter in this book focuses on a distinct type of culturally driven theological dialogue. One type is between readers and texts, in which biblical scholars suggest new ways of reading, and even rewriting, the Bible so it becomes more meaningful in local terms. A second kind concerns the state of the church and society. For example, feminist theologians and those calling for “prophetic” action on social problems propose new conversations about how people in Oceania should navigate difficult times. A third kind of discussion revolves around identity, emphasizing what makes Oceania unique and culturally coherent. A fourth addresses the problems of climate change and environmental degradation to sacred lands by encouraging “eco-theological” awareness and interconnection. Finally, many contextual theologians engage with the work of other disciplines— prominently, anthropology—as they develop new discourse on God, people, and the future of Oceania. Contextual theology allows people in Oceania to speak with God and fellow humans through the idiom of culture in a distinctly Pacific way. Tomlinson concludes, however, that the most fruitful topic of dialogue might not be culture, but rather the nature of dialogue itself. Written in an accessible, engaging style and presenting innovative findings, this book will interest students and scholars of anthropology, world religion, theology, globalization, and Pacific studies.
First published in 1928, "Coming of Age in Samoa" is Margaret Mead's classic sociological examination of adolescence during the first part of the 20th century in American Samoa. Sent by the Social Science Research Council to study the youths of a so-called "primitive" culture, Margaret Mead would spend nine months attempting to ascertain if the problems of adolescences in western society were merely a function of youth or a result of cultural and social differences. "Coming of Age in Samoa" is her report of those findings, in which the author details various aspects of Samoan life including, education, social and household structure, and sexuality. The book drew great public interest when it was first published and also criticism from those who did not like the perceived message that the carefree sexuality of Samoan girls might be the reason for their lack of neuroses. "Coming of Age in Samoa" has also been criticized for the veracity of Mead's account, though current public opinion seems to fall on the side of her work being largely a factual one, if not one of great anthropological rigor. At the very least "Coming of Age in Samoa" remains an interesting historical account of tribal Samoan life during the first part of the 20th century. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper.
Augustin Kramer's account of his sojourn in the Samoa Islands from 1897 to 1899. Of particular importance to Samoans are the original documents containing ceremonial greetings and genealogical pedigrees. All Samoan language texts have been retained in this edition.
A new history of globalization and empire at the crossroads of the Pacific. Located halfway between HawaiÔi and Australia, the islands of Samoa have long been a center of Oceanian cultural and economic exchange. Accustomed to exercising agency in trade and diplomacy, Samoans found themselves enmeshed in a new form of globalization after missionaries and traders arrived in the middle of the nineteenth century. As the great powers of Europe and America competed to bring Samoa into their orbits, Germany and the United States eventually agreed to divide the islands for their burgeoning colonial holdings. In Coconut Colonialism, Holger Droessler examines the Samoan response through the lives of its workers. Ordinary SamoansÑsome on large plantations, others on their own small holdingsÑpicked and processed coconuts and cocoa, tapped rubber trees, and built roads and ports that brought cash crops to Europe and North America. At the same time, Samoans redefined their own way of being in the worldÑwhat Droessler terms ÒOceanian globalityÓÑto challenge German and American visions of a global economy that in fact served only the needs of Western capitalism. Through cooperative farming, Samoans contested the exploitative wage-labor system introduced by colonial powers. The islanders also participated in ethnographic shows around the world, turning them into diplomatic missions and making friends with fellow colonized peoples. Samoans thereby found ways to press their own agendas and regain a degree of independence. Based on research in multiple languages and countries, Coconut Colonialism offers new insights into the global history of labor and empire at the dawn of the twentieth century.
Travel guide, with brief general studies, for Pacific - covers history under colonialism, traditional culture, entry requirements, leisure and transport facilities, tourist attractions, etc. Bibliography, glossary, illustrations, maps.
The islands of the Samoan archipelago lie about 14 degrees south of the equator in the central Pacific Ocean. Politically, they are divided into two groups: Samoa (formerly Western Samoa), an indepedent state and American Samoa, a territory of the USA. The islands have been formed as a result of complex volcanic activity; they are geologically young. While many of the plants and birds of the Samoan Islands are found elsewhere in the Pacific, many of the snail species are found nowhere else on Earth. This guide is intended to permit identification of mos of the terrestrial snails, and slugs of the Samoan Islands. It is intended to be accessible to the amateur naturalist but also to provide the experienced scientist with a compact resource of information. The guide covers both the native species and the non-native, introduced species, which are generall more frequently encountered, especially at low elevations and in habits disturbed by human activities.
Long recognized as the premier travel writer to the South Pacific, author David Stanley narrows and deepens his focus in Tonga-Samoa Handbook. Covering the lush, tropical Samoas, the ancient Kingdom of Tonga, and lonely little Niue, this book provides: -- Penetrating coverage of the unique histories, cultures, and mores of the region -- Practical tips on flights to Tonga-Samoa and interisland travel -- Extensive accommodations listings, from the colorful International Dateline Hotel in Nuku'alofa to low-budget guesthouses in Apia -- Tips on where and what to eat: traditional Samoan palusami, the gargantuan Tongan feasts of Vava'u, and the pizzerias and mountainous ice-cream cones of Pago Pago -- 32 detailed maps
