Houses

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Samoan houses information

Of course, in modern Samoa many houses are now constructed using western materials and designs; but still, each village, indeed usually each extended family in Samoa, traditionally has a //fale talimalo// (guest house) and/or a //fale fono// (meeting house) where the chiefs convene. Sometimes they are one and the same. The exact size and lavishness is determined by the power and position of the families and village

Guest houses are constructed in a typical Samoan architectural style with a domed roof, and evenly-spaced posts supporting beams in the Polynesian culture Center. Traditionally, no nails or screws were used anywhere in such a building. Instead, coconut fibers are braided into //'afa// or //sennit// rope to lash the beams and joints togethe

When pre-arranged guests arrive, the immediate or extended family, or even the whole village will make sure the proper protocol is carefully and accurately conducted. They will prepare leis (which the Samoans call //ula//), food and special decorations. Included will be a welcome ceremony, the elaborateness of it depending on rank and importance, especially of the chiefly guests.