The Samoa Islands of Western Samoa is located in the center of the Polynesian island group in the South Pacific, known as the “heart” of Polynesia. There are 14 major islands, five of which are still uninhabited. The islands are all composed of volcanic rocks, with undulating mountains, known as “volcanic islands”. The tropical marine climate under the trade wind and the coral reefs developed along the coast make Samoa also have a typical tropical island scenery. Samoa is divided into two major administrative parts, East Samoa and West Samoa, by the longitude of 170 degrees west. East Samoa, as the United States Trust Territory in 1899, is the only dependency of the United States in the south of the equator, including five islands, mainly Tuila, and Pago, the capital.
Pago is located on the south bank of Tutuila Island and has an important US naval base. Due to the investment and development of the United States, the living standard on the island is relatively high. Western Samoa, which is composed of two large islands and seven small islands, namely Savai and Oupolu, was established independently in 1962 with its capital in Apia on the island of Oupolu. Although East and West Samoa belong to different countries politically, they are very similar in geography and culture. It is difficult to distinguish between them. The islands of Samoa are rugged and mountainous, and the arable land is concentrated along the coast. There are a variety of tropical crops such as bananas, cocoa, coconut, and so on, known as “the country of coconut and cocoa”.
Coconut is the most widely planted plant, and dried coconut is the largest export commodity in China. The coconut trees are tall and beautiful, and are the symbol of the tropical island landscape. A coconut tree can grow dozens of coconuts every year. After each coconut is cut open, two cups of cool and sweet coconut water can be poured out. Coconut water contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, and is sterile. It can be directly injected into the patient’s vein instead of glucose injection. The white flesh of coconut can be squeezed and boiled. Coconut oil is an important raw material for manufacturing shampoo, detergent, toothpaste, lubricant, paint, synthetic rubber, plastic, etc., because it contains a large amount of glycerin and other chemical components.
The protein content of a coconut is equivalent to that of a steak. Coconut trunk and coconut thick shell fiber are also excellent building materials and industrial raw materials. It can be said that coconut trees are full of treasures, which bring endless benefits to Samoans. Cocoa is the main raw material for making chocolate, and the second largest export volume of Samoa after coconuts. It has a long reputation for its high quality and is a best-selling product in the international market. In the 1980s, the total value of these two export commodities of Samoa accounted for more than 80% of the total export value. After independence, animal husbandry here has been valued and developed. Pig is a traditional local household preparation, which has always been attached great importance.
However, the development of cattle is quite dramatic. The purpose of cattle breeding was to use cattle to control the growth of weeds in coconut plantations. Later, we improved the cattle herd, paid attention to rotational grazing, and turned to the purpose of supplying meat for the market. At present, the average number of cattle on hand each year is more than 30000, and the annual output of beef is more than dry tons. Samoa is surrounded by the sea on all sides and rich in fishery resources. In the coastal coral atolls, fish shuttle. As long as the islanders go to the sea, they will never return empty-handed. In order to develop fishery and increase fishing volume, the government has also actively developed shipbuilding and ocean fishing.
90% of the residents of Samoa Islands are Polynesian, with a large body and bronze skin. Since the 19th century, the islanders have had more contact with the outside world because of the struggles of the colonial powers of Britain, Germany, New Zealand, and the United States. Compared with other South Pacific islands, they have a more open and practical style besides their simple and happy temperament. Samoans love beauty very much. Both men and women wear flower skirts and bright red hibiscus flowers; But there are differences between men and women. Women are inserted between the temples, while men are clamped near the ears.
These seem not beautiful enough, so they use tattoos to decorate and beautify their bodies, which is locally called “Tatu”. Tattoos are used to draw tattoo patterns and patterns on the skin with special tools such as awl, small tooth knife and needle, and then apply dye on the tattoo mouth. A good “Tatu” is like a perfect work of art. Tattoos are also a symbol of social status in Samoa. Generally, only senior officials and dignitaries can carry out the whole body Tatu from neck to foot, while others can only carry out partial Tatu.