Cultural Heritage from the Sea?

Cultural heritage resources in the marine context emphasize all types of past human connections to the sea, whether those connections are centered in Samoan traditions and lifestyles (fa`a-Samoa), Samoan coastal archaeological sites or cultural uses of marine resources, or maritime heritage sites such as historic shipwrecks and other significant underwater objects.

A coastal pillbox near the village of Alao; signposts of the Pacific War. (Photo: NOAA ONMS)

A whaler's try pot for processing whale oil; this one is circa 1865, recovered from Swain's Island. (Photo: Polynesian Photo Archives, American Samoa Jean P. Haydon Collection)

Jennings' faletele, circa 1937 Naval personnel and Fitafita Guards near the structure. (Photo: NOAA OMNS)

Satellite image of Swains Island, showing the lagoon in the center. (Photo: NOAA NCCOS)

Certain coastal and marine natural features like tupua also have strong cultural connections as visible touchstones of oral history, parts of the heritage record. According to Volk, Knudsen, Kluge and Herdrich, "these sites are of extraordinary significance to Samoan culture. Compared to all of the archaeological and historic sites that the HPO [Historic Preservation Office] tries to protect, these sites are seen as the most significant to local residents." (Towards a Territorial Conservation Strategy...1992)

Maritime Heritage: Stories from the Past

In June 2007 NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries completed an initial document- based maritime heritage resource inventory for American Samoa. The inventory features multiple aspects of history in American Samoa: 1) historic shipwrecks lost in American Samoa; 2) World War II naval aircraft lost in American Samoa; 3) World War II fortifications, gun emplacements, and coastal pillboxes; 4) Samoan coastal archaeological sites; and 5) coastal and marine features associated with ancient Samoan myths and legends. Very few of the historic ships or aircraft have been located within the waters of the Territory; the initial inventory work was document-based and did not involve field survey. Some of the potential sites, if located and confirmed, could be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.

Fagatele Bay's Management Plan Review Process

Strategies considering cultural and maritime heritage resource management and preservation have been included in the initial draft plan for Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary as part of the sanctuary's management plan review process. These are ways to enhance the public stewardship of marine resources and learn from the rich heritage of American Samoa.

Swains Island: a Special Location