Tia Seu Lupe: Ancient Pigeon-Catching Mound

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.