Seal of American Samoa

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Seal of American Samoa
Seal of American Samoa.svg
Armiger American Samoa
Motto Samoa Muamua Le Atua
"Samoa, God Is First"

The Seal of American Samoa is based in traditional local design.

The fly switch ( fue ) represents wisdom and the staff (To'oto'o) represents authority. Both symbols are used by talking chiefs indicating their rank. The Tanoa (kava bowl) represents service to the chief. The tapa clothed background represents the artistry of the Samoan people. It also includes the date April 17, 1900, which was the date when Samoa became a U.S. territory.

On Flag Day April 17, 1973, the official seal of American Samoa, with the motto, Sāmoa Muamua Le Atua (English: "Samoa, Let God Be First"), was dedicated. [1]

The seal was introduced to the U.S. House of Representatives on March 2, 1985, by Delegate Fofó Iosefa Fiti Sunia. Fofo made the request in November 1981. The artwork was performed by the staff of the architect of the capitol. [2]

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References

  1. Shaffer, Robert J. (2000). American Samoa: 100 Years Under the United States Flag. Island Heritage. p. 193. ISBN   9780896103399.
  2. Sunia, Fofo I. F. (2009). A History of American Samoa. Amerika Samoa Humanities Council. p. 320. ISBN   9781573062992.