By Martha Taumata Faavae
The Ministry of Education or MESC is on a search for cultural artifacts to be displayed in the soon to be completed Chinese built museum inside the Malifa Education compound.
Archeological finds like stone adzes used as a building tool in ancient times is one example of the call going out for public support.
A one day workshop hosted by MESC impressed participants with a collection of stone adze put together by the ‘museum team’ to be on display once the new building is completed.
There is a strong belief more ancient archeological treasure are buried around the country waiting to be uncovered.
“It is why we are making a public appeal for the public to let us or our National University of Samoa, know of any major diggings of the ground planned around homes and other areas,” MESC Chief Executive Officer, Afamasaga Karoline Fuata’i appealed.
Afamasaga made the comment after opening the workshop with presentations by museum officials and an archeology lecturer from the National University of stone adzes.
“There are strong beliefs many of the artifacts our ancestors used may still be lying around at home or were dug up without any understanding of their historic values.
‘This is why it’s very important to encourage the public to become familiar with the practice of calling us at MESC or the NUS to come around to check for artifacts whenever there are any large diggings done.”
The museum has in stock already 36 stone adzes as well as stone combs collected from members of the public and also recovered from the star mounds or pule melei.
The Friday workshop made it possible for discussions on how the stone adzes were used to build houses and other important uses.
MESC and the NUS are working in partnership in the search for cultural artifacts for the museum.
