Malie is a village on the island ofUpolu inSamoa. It is located on the north coast in the Electoral Constituency (Faipule District) of Sagaga Le Usoga which forms part of the larger political district ofTuamasaga.[1] The village has been a traditional headquarters for theMalietoa, one of the four paramount families and royal titles of Samoa.[2] The village has a population of 2247.[3]
Malie's western border lies by the western bay at Vaifoa, next to Fale'ula. Between the two villages is the promontory Satea. Another five minutes further west and inland lies Malie itself with its large malae, on which lies the large stone tomb of Malietoa Molī, father of Malietoa Laupepa. Immediately adjacent is Lalau, forming Malie's boundary.
As part ofTuamasaga, both Malie and Afega play the leading role in governance of the region and are addressed collectively as"Tuisamau ma Auimatagi" in matters of national importance, particularly when Pule and Tumua (Samoa's orator chiefs) are gathered in ceremony. Afega holds preeminence as the administrative capital of Tuamasaga while Malie holds equal preeminence as the seat of the Malietoa as well as the Auimatagi and the faleupolu of Malie. The greatfono (council) of Tuamasaga meets at Malie during times of peace and is why the malae at Malie is calledmalae o le filemu (gathering place of peace). In many affairs – especially during war – Auimatagi is called upon on behalf of Malie in deliberations to determine whether and when and where the fono is to take place.
The residential grounds of the Malietoa are called'Feagaimaleata' ("together with the dawn"). Further inland one can still see the stones on which the heads of the human sacrifices were smashed prior to being prepared for Malietoa Faigā's meals.
The current Malietoa, Malietoa Molī, was bestowed the honor in Malie in August 2018. The right of thematai of Malie to bestow the honor came under legal challenges, with criminal contempt of court charges being laid against sixteen chiefs, though those challenges were ultimately dismissed.[4][5] The matter has since been resolved with all parties concerned acquiescing to the judgement rendered by the Lands & Titles Court together with the wishes of both Afega and Malie to have Malietoa Molī continue as the current holder of the paramount title.[6]
Tulouna a Auimatagi
Tulouna a lo outou to'afitu
Tulouna Fa'amausili ma Mauala'ivao
Tulouna o lou alii, o lau Susuga a Malietoa[6]
13°48′S171°49′W / 13.800°S 171.817°W /-13.800; -171.817
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