Malietoa Tanumafili II

His Highness, Malietoa Tanumafili II was born on January 4, 1913 in Matautu, Apia and was raised by his parents until he attained the age of seven. Then he was taken to Malie to learn the royal duties of a prince. He attended the village school there and then continued his education at Marist Brothers in Mulivai.

His grammar school education was in Fiji at the Suva Grammar School for a year. Then he went to seek higher education in Saint Stevens, Wesley College in Auckland, New Zealand. He returned to Western Samoa in 1939. Upon the death of his father, Malietoa Tanumafili I, he was appointed fautua in 1940 and took part in the political affairs of his country. His majestic presence, and serene voice will always be remembered in all important government functions as a symbolic representation of our great country.

In 1961 – 1963 he served as one of the joint Heads of State. Upon the death of Tupua Tamasese, he became the sole Head of State. Malietoa Tanumafili II is the last of the great, dignified leaders and sons of the past, linking the new generation in guiding and directing the future of Western Samoa to find a place in destiny.

Malietoa Vaiinupo accepting the Bible from John Williams in 1830. We also have a representation of the protestant churches and a representation of Pope Paul the sixth of the Catholic church. The Mormon church is represented by the Book of Mormon which came to American Samoa in 1888 and to Western Samoa in 1889. These religious symbols are the representations of Christianity in Western Samoa.

In the center of the carving is a coin representing Malietoa. Below the coin is depicted the royal clan (fautua) consisting of Tupua Tamasese Lealofi IV, former Prime Minister and Deputy Head of State, Mata’afa Faumuina Mulinu’u II – Prime Minister and Tuimalealiifano - Deputy Head of State.

On the bottom we have all the symbols representing Samoa such as the kava bowl, the to’oto’o, the war clubs, and the ietoga. Above the symbols of Samoa is the Samoan Legislature. There is also the scroll proclaiming Samoa’s Independence.

The above information was taken (as written) from the MCKAY-FALE located in Sauniatu (on the island of Upolu) Western Samoa.