I pulled this from Samoa News and thought it was a great photo [click to enlarge.] A chief died recently and was afforded this funeral procession. American Samoa has a matai system, whereby certain people are granted the title of matai or chief. The chiefs have various familial, political, and civic duties they perform for their families and villages. In the High Court, certain matais sit on the bench along with my bosses (who are appointed by the Secretary of the Interior. ) These judicial matais ensure that decisions from the high court comport with traditional Samoan values. Even basic contract decisions are signed by the matais.
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