One of the notes to „Sourcing Siapo” of making Siapo, the traditional Samoan cloth, is “[i]t is women’s work only and it is very hard work” (Ava TaesaOne of the notes to „Sourcing Siapo” of making Siapo, the traditional Samoan cloth, is “[i]t is women’s work only and it is very hard work” (Ava Taesali 2016 ) January is the oldest daughter of ten siblings. Their mother remarried after raising seven children with her first, beloved by the offspring Samoan father. After divorce, father Tamā is forced to leave the family while the new partner reveals to be a ruthless and violent predator whom children call a “drunk.” Throughout the novel constructed in forms of poems, letters, and memoires, January tells the heartbreaking story of suffering, frustration, and imaginary world of hope which helps sibling to survive the hard times. November, January, March, May, August, June, September, October, July, and December always protect each other and even though from different fathers, never think of each other as half blood. The memories of January describe her family story from her childhood until the mother’s death followed by sorrow yet compassionate letters. Sourcing Siapo, the traditional Samoan piece of art remains the metaphor of complicated relationship of half-Caucasian and Samoan family where the indigenous culture symbolise home.
Ava Taesali, P. (2016). Sourcing Siapo. An Ala Press Offering....more
The colonization of Pacific Islands has left irreversible changes on language and culture of Pohnpei people in Micronesia. Through the first explorersThe colonization of Pacific Islands has left irreversible changes on language and culture of Pohnpei people in Micronesia. Through the first explorers’ invasions to modern tourism, the landscape and identity are the subject to constant changes and modifications. The battle between the westernized lifestyle and heritage cultivation is strongly visible in, for instance, “Like the Island.” The collection of poems is strong, vibrant, and brave treating the matters from perspective of likio “outsie” and Sapw Sarawi “spiritual powers” (Kihleng 2008 61). The first one is reflected through the metaphor of neglectable homicide of Chuukese child by a women in 2006 where the politicization of the poetry raises anger and frustration. On the other hand, the “Untitled” tells a touching story of relationship between the granddaughter who takes care of her grandfather in the hospital: “my hands rubbing p from under his heel up to his toes, neglected for so long brown, dry flakes fall off his foot on to my urohs and on to the tile floor in room 208 tears for the hplesness I feel when we’re together”
Kihleng, E. (2008). My Urohs. Kahuaomānoa Press...more
Loading...
