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Overview

Turner gives Faamalu the gloss Shade and records a village setting in which a trumpet-shell represents the deity at an annual gathering. In warfare the deity is also represented by a fish: brisk swimming encourages advance, while turning onto its back vetoes fighting. A cloud ahead of the party favours movement; clouds behind it cause apprehension. These forms are not described as a single hybrid body, but as different signs through which the deity is consulted.

The same entry links appeals to Faamalu with quarrels, mischief and theft. A second district confines the deity’s role to war, keeping a shell in a temple and carrying it with the troops. Trees around that temple are set apart and not used. Turner’s adjacent description of a marine deity, Tamauanuu, belongs to another named being and is not imported as Faamalu’s shark anatomy or powers. The distinction between the two local Faamalu settings also prevents every recorded prohibition from becoming one universal rule.

Trumpet-shell representationFish-motion battle signsCloud-position omensWar-only setting in another districtTemple shell carried with troops
01

Origins & earliest records

George Turner, Samoa, A Hundred Years Ago and Long Before, chapter IV, entry 6; first printed London 1884, selected transcription from University of the South Pacific 1984 reprint.

02

Records & interpretation

Historical missionary collector’s account of locally distinct representations, narrative and omen interpretations; not a direct contemporary community statement.

Selected bibliography

Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.

  1. 01

    Samoa: chapter IV, entry 6

    George Turner, missionary collector · 1884; selected reprint 1984

    Selected numbered account retained without merging animal representatives into a zoological species or adopting missionary judgements.

Family & connections

A source-supported family tree or inspiration record has not yet been compiled for this profile. Related reading below indicates a connection in subject matter, not a proven lineage or creative influence.

References

Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.

  1. Primary historical collected accountTurner: Samoa, chapter IVResearch access: 2026-10-05

Image credits

A sourced illustration has not yet been added. This gap is included in the coverage record.

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