I have so many fond memories of my grandpa Maiava Fa’avae from Faleula, Samoa. During my childhood years, he filled my imagination with so many myths and legends from ancient Samoa. My eyes often wide as saucers when he’d whisper fervently about the supernatural. I could never get enough of listening to the stories told over and over.
Maiava was also a notable Samoan healer. At times, he would talk of Samoan Fofo (traditional massage), herbal remedies, and the treatment of illnesses that were either physical or supernatural in origin. Sadly I was too young and impatient. I didn’t listen carefully and much of that knowledge is now lost.
NORMA TIKA 