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Tia Seu Lupe: Ancient Pigeon-Catching Mounds

Discover Tia Seu Lupe in American Samoa: a fascinating historical site where ancient traditions come to life amidst serene natural beauty.

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Explore Tia Seu Lupe in Tafuna, American Samoa, a historical site featuring restored star mounds. These stone structures were once platforms for the Samoan chiefly sport of pigeon catching. Visitors can observe the two distinct tiers of the ancient structure from a viewing platform.

A brief summary to Tia Seu Lupe

  • M799+W22, Tafuna, Western District, AS

Local tips

  • Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the site may require some walking on uneven surfaces.
  • Bring a camera to capture the architecture and surrounding landscapes.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Tia Seu Lupe is located near the Holy Family Catholic Cathedral at Ottoville. From the cathedral, walk along the road towards the Fatuoaiga Catholic Church Center. The historical park, where Tia Seu Lupe is located, is adjacent to the church center. The site is easily accessible and well-maintained.

  • Public Transport

    Local buses, known as 'aiga' buses, operate throughout Tutuila. These buses travel from villages to the bus depot at Fagatogo, next to the Marketplace. From the airport, take the 'Tafuna' bus towards Pago Pago. Ask the driver to stop near the Holy Family Catholic Cathedral in Ottoville. From there, follow the walking directions to Tia Seu Lupe. Bus fare is approximately $0.75 - $2.50.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available at the Pago Pago International Airport. Negotiate the fare before starting the trip. A taxi from the airport to Tia Seu Lupe is approximately $9.50, but could be higher depending on traffic and negotiation. From the airport, the taxi will take you along the main road to Ottoville, near the Holy Family Catholic Cathedral. From there, it's a short walk to the site.

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Discover more about Tia Seu Lupe

Tia Seu Lupe, which translates to "earthen mound to catch pigeons," is an ancient historical site located in Tafuna, American Samoa. This site showcases restored star mounds, stone structures believed to have been platforms used for the chiefly sport of pigeon catching. For centuries, pigeon-snaring was a popular activity among Samoan chiefs, who used these mounds to practice netting their prized, feathered catch. The Tia Seu Lupe Historic Monument was dedicated in May 1990 and is maintained by the American Samoa Department of Parks and Recreation. The restored pigeon-catching mound resembles the later marae of Eastern Polynesia. Visitors can observe the two distinct tiers of the ancient structure from a viewing platform. Tia Seu Lupe is located near the Holy Family Catholic Cathedral at Ottoville, within a historical park adjacent to the Fatuoaiga Catholic Church Center. The park is also next to the only patch of lowland rainforest still found on Tutuila Island, offering a serene atmosphere. Today, Tia Seu Lupe serves not only as a tourist attraction but also as a gathering place for locals, fostering a sense of community and connection to their roots. Informative displays provide context and insight into the historical events that shaped the region, enhancing the visitor experience.

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