Siapo (tapa cloth) patterns in PhD study...

 

My creative PhD studies allows me to create artworks and study various patterns of Samoan culture that was created hundreds of years ago and are still being continued in today's Samoan societies.

In this study pictured left, I've painted my favourite Samoan siapo (tapa cloth) pattern using acrylics on small canvases and in using the colours of i.e. bronze, gold, silver and black to replicate some of the colours that would used through the natural plants of Samoa.

I wanted to capture the rich vibrancy of Samoan culture but also keeping with earthy tones that are associated with siapo as siapo as seen as another measina (treasure/s) of Samoan material culture.

I've had so much fun making these up as I'm also giving them away to participants in my study as a token of my appreciation for the time, effort and knowledge that they've shared with me.

In fact, I find it a real privilege to be able to learn and share my understandings gained in learning more about the history behind what entails being 'measina a Samoa'. I also see that there are some changes that have happened over the years and some of these findings I'll be sharing on this blog but also with the participants after writing up my exegesis/thesis with accompanying artworks etc...

'Measina' mugs for PhD studies participants...

 

My Measina PhD fieldwork has been moving along slowly with the sharing of stories from various participants. It's been a very interesting journey so far with lots of rich information and also a lot to consider going forward.

As part of the recognition of the time, efforts and knowledge that has been passed onto me, I've reciprocated with a Koko Samoa pack that includes 'Measina' mugs with the word imprinted on foil on the mugs as a sovereign for participating in the study.

I've had some neat feedback as I've wanted to keep the conversations casual in not expecting to have fully researched answers but more of a 'slice of life' or a discussion on their experiences of what measina means to them but also their observations.

I have also reflected on my own observations of measina over time and it's been interesting to see the similarities but also differences of people's thoughts on measina.

Needless to say, that many of my participants on women both young and old but I also have privileged to also have been able to discuss the idea of measina with men in my village group which brought about their interesting observations as well.

Suffice to say, that there is a lot to write about and as I've asked for it to be a 'Creative PhD' in that I will be producing some artworks, poetry and a few books during this time, I feel that it is the right time and place for me to right about this important phenomenon i.e. an understanding of Measina for diaspora Samoans...

A+ Bloods call-out...

It's been awhile since I gave blood as a blood donor back in 2017, however, whilst I was watching the TV news on Monday, there was a call out for those who have A+ as there was a shortage with only 4 days left nationwide.

Of course I then phoned for an appointment and found that the local blood donor place was full until next week and so was re-diverted to the Epsom (Auckland central clinic) where there was only a next day wait to make an appointment.

So today I was able to support my community in giving blood. However, whilst I was there, the nurse told me that there was still a short supply so I'll be calling in my family, those who like me are A+, to also consider donating their blood.

I know that for some religious faiths and personal decisions, not everyone agrees with donating blood. But since I attended Uni in my late teens and into my 40s, I was still given the opportunity to do this and in being to support my community.

After the 30 minute donation, I had a juice, as donors are supplied with food etc. afterwards and it gave me time to catch up with the Blood services' annual report. There I was able to read that very few Samoans donate blood (because of their beliefs?) and that NZ Europeans gave more blood as an ethnic group.

If you haven't already, it might be something to consider as the majority of peoples needing blood are for operations with some due to accidents, those with cancer, and many of these include children as well...