Meet the Salu Family
Masters of Siapo Artistry
Welcome to the world of the Salu family, where the timeless Samoan art of Siapo making comes to life through the hands of master artisans.
The Siapo is a hand-crafted bark cloth, created by carefully pounding and decorating the inner bark of the mulberry tree. It's not just art— the Siapo is woven into the fabric of life, used in special ceremonies such as weddings and funerals, and serves as a symbol of status to show honour, tell stories, and celebrate the deep cultural connections that define the Samoan identity.
Based in the village of Vailoa Palauli, Savaii, the Salu family have been keeping this cherished tradition alive for generations, preserving the beauty and cultural significance of the Siapo through their meticulous craftsmanship. Their story is one of family, heritage and a deep connection to their beloved Samoan roots.
At the heart of the Salu Family is Faamuli Salu, an 85 year old matriarch who has spent her life perfecting the art of Siapo making. Born in Vaipua, Savaii, Faamuli began learning the intricate process of Siapo making when she was just 10 years old, under the guidance of her mother.
After inheriting her mother’s tools, Faamuli moved to her husband’s village of Vailoa Palauli, where she continued the tradition and taught the women of the village the beautiful artform of Siapo making. Her commitment to preserving the art form is evident in the warmth with which she shares her knowledge, fostering a sense of community among those who have learnt from her.
Faapito Lesatele, Faamuli’s daughter in-law, has been part of the Salu family business for 17 years. Working alongside Faamuli, she has helped keep the Salu family’s Siapo Demonstrations alive and thriving.
The Salu family’s passion for Siapo making doesn’t stop with Faamuli. Her grand-daughters also started learning how to make Siapo at the age of 10, just as she did, with the hopes that the Siapo tradition is passed down to future generations. As the family grows, so too does their collective commitment to this sacred art form, making it an integral part of their identity and daily life. Through workshops and community engagement, the Salu family is not only preserving their heritage but also inspiring others to embrace the beauty and significance of the Siapo.
Siapo is more than just an art form—it's a delicate, time-honoured process that requires both skill and patience.
The process of making the Siapo begins with harvesting and preparing the u’a tree (paper mulberry) by separating its outer bark from the inner white bark. This inner bark is then soaked, scrubbed on an upeti mafolafola (wooden board) with an ‘asi (shells), and then drained. It is then pounded on a tutua (wooden anvil) with a i’e (tapa beater) until soft. After drying under river rocks for 40 minutes, patterns are then applied using an upeti mamanu (design board), along with materials like tata, togoelei, masoa, and ‘ele (clay). The final step involves painting the designs with red mangrove juice and black ink from burnt mulberry wood, using a pandanus seed as a brush the same used for making ula fala.
The Salu family’s Siapo-making tradition has been lovingly passed down for generations, with each family member learning the intricate craft at an early age. A key part of this tradition is their use of the upeti mamanu (design boards), one of which is over 50 years old and has been passed down through the family. This cherished tool connects the past to the present, as it holds the history and skills of their ancestors. These traditional designs, which have been carefully preserved, are integral to the authenticity of the Salu family’s Siapo art.
However, the Salu family has also embraced change, as the younger generation (Faamuli’s daughter in-law and granddaughters) introduced modern and custom designs that help balance tradition with innovation. The Salu family have created new motifs that reflect contemporary themes while still respecting the essence of the craft.
By blending these modern elements with their ancestral knowledge, the Salu family continues to evolve their business, appealing to both traditionalists and those who appreciate contemporary art forms. This careful balance of old and new has strengthened their family legacy and allowed their Siapo to reach a broader audience.
As the world becomes more modernised, the Salu family is determined to keep their traditions alive, often inviting community members and visitors to participate in their Siapo demonstrations. These interactions not only educate others about the importance of making a Siapo in the traditional way, but also celebrate the vibrant culture of Samoa. With each piece they create, the Salu family not only shares their artistry but also reinforces the legacy of their forebears, ensuring that the beauty of the Siapo will continue to flourish for generations to come.
Photography Geoffery Matautia Copywriter Margaret Leumagā Creative Direction Vashti Latu Production Merina Latu + Hayley McGruther
Let’s Create
Email us at: hello@susuandmeli.com
Follow us at: susuandmeli