The National University of Samoa Foundation Art Department Keeps Tradition Alive.
NUS Foundation Arts Students.
Photo: Supplied
On the 14th of October, foundation grades encourage the feeling of being participated in the ‘ava ceremony, and how they experience the ritual real ‘ava ceremony as their elders do.
The ‘ava ceremony was held at the National University of Samoa (NUS) with two groups, called NUS and Salelologa.
Etelis Ameto added to the Eye Spy Radio, “Our opening presentation will begin at noon with a traditional Samoan ‘ava ceremony. To help us understand the nature of our own tradition, and it was an enjoyable moment to be part of the ‘ava ceremony.”
The ava ceremony is an ancient Samoa ritual that is performed at the beginning of all important services.
The Foundation Art ‘ava ceremony led by the student’s, the ceremony begins with a words of welcome of the NUS group team sitting cross-legged on the floor in a circle or semicircle.
The power of the two team ritual came from their great care and attention to detail. Every move made is very deliberate, from the direction in which the ‘ava is stirred to the shoulder the fau is tossed over.
Both the seating and the order of consumption of the ‘ava are dictated by the hosting from the student and are representative of the social hierarchy of Samoa traditions.
The central purpose of the Foundation Art from the University of Samoa ‘ava ceremony, however, remains respect among groups and the traditions.