The aitu Nafanua and the history of Samoa : a study in the relationship between spiritual and temporal power
Abstract
This history of Samoa breaks new ground in using largely neglected Samoan and German language sources. The history examines the relationship between spiritual and temporal power in Samoa and concentrates on Samoan motivations and Samoans themselves. The narrative focuses most particularly on the aitu Nafanua - a powerful female ancestor god whose will and suggestions, received through her spirit mediums, enabled the family she speaks through to take action and bring about changes in the Malo or Government. She acts not only as harbinger of change, but also spiritually legitimizes changes in the Samoan polity...