Samoa, A Hundred Years Ago And Long Before

A descriptive ethnographic account of Samoan islands outlines physical geography and settlement patterns before presenting origin myths and a detailed survey of religious life, distinguishing major gods, village cults, and household spirits along with their rituals and omens. It examines social organization and life stages, domestic economy and material culture — food, cooking, clothing, houses, canoes, and manufactured items — and describes amusements, warfare, governance, and customary law. The work also records beliefs about health, death, burial, longevity, celestial lore, and traditional stories that explain fire, place names, migrations, and notable local landmarks.