Tia Seu Lupe: Ancient Pigeon-Catching Mound

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Explore Tia Seu Lupe in Tafuna, American Samoa, a window into ancient Samoan traditions and Polynesian history.

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Tia Seu Lupe

Tia Seu Lupe is a historical site in Tafuna, American Samoa, featuring a restored pigeon-catching mound. This ancient structure offers insights into Samoan chiefly sport and Polynesian culture.

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.
Take a guided tour if available; it enriches your understanding of the site's historical significance.
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

From the center of Tafuna, head towards the main road (Route 1). Walk towards the Holy Family Catholic Cathedral at Ottoville. Tia Seu Lupe is located in a historical park adjacent to the church center at M799+W22. The site is behind a statue of St. Mary near the cathedral.
Public Transport

From anywhere in Tafuna, board a local bus heading towards Ottoville. Inform the driver that you wish to get off at the Holy Family Catholic Cathedral. From the bus stop, walk towards the cathedral; Tia Seu Lupe is located in a historical park adjacent to the church center, behind the statue of St. Mary. Bus fare is approximately $0.75 - $2.00.
Taxi

From Pago Pago International Airport, a taxi to Tia Seu Lupe will cost approximately $9.50. Negotiate the fare before starting the trip. The driver should take you along Route 1 towards Ottoville. The site is located near the Holy Family Catholic Cathedral.

Discover more about Tia Seu Lupe

Tia Seu Lupe, located in Tafuna, American Samoa, is a significant historical site showcasing an ancient pigeon-catching mound. Maintained by the American Samoa Department of Parks and Recreation, the site was dedicated as a historic monument in May 1990. The monument features a restored stone structure believed to be platforms used for the chiefly sport of pigeon catching. The name "Tia Seu Lupe" literally translates to "earthen mound to catch pigeons." Archeologists believe that chiefs would compete for the hand of another chief's daughter or wife by trying to capture the most pigeons. The restored mound bears resemblance to the later marae of Eastern Polynesia. Visitors can observe the two distinct tiers of the 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, and next to the only patch of lowland rainforest still found on Tutuila Island. Informative displays provide context and insight into the historical events that shaped the region.