Below are some photographs from Maina Ieremia taken of some the family members who attended the 2009 Apia Christmas family 'lotu' and meal. Fewer family members converged at the Apia homestead this time but much appreciation goes to those who did attend. In attendance were Tagaloamatua Tavila, Oliana Avei, Lalotoa Mulitalo and some of her children & grand children, Ete & Lasalo Ieremia (Maina's parents), Soloa Poto Semisi & children and Lima Pua'aefu and his family.
The Seumanutafa Loligi family homestead is in a sad state and while there is much in the way of planning and fund raising by the extended family to rebuild the homstead, many thanks must go to those, and in particular Leiataua Lesa Siaki & Maina's children who tend and maintain the homestead and its adjoining property in good order. Preparation for the Christmas 'lotu' began with whitening the burial vaults belonging to Seumanutafa Loligi, Simeanamulu and Eleitino Vaova'i who are all buried on the family plot. Also included are snapshots from Maina of the family plot and the structural changes that have occurred on the site over the years. The old Samoan fale, umu house, pig pens and other buildings have been pulled down and replaced by carparking facilities.
Maina Ieremia furiously painting in the early morning.
A side view of the old homestead is in the background.
