The Ifoga ritual in Samoa in anthropological and biblical perspectives.

Abstract

The study intends to analyze the structure and the function of the Samoan atonement ritual ifoga by exploring it in its traditional epistemic context. This ritual will be explored from both anthropological and biblical perspectives. The ifoga ritual is performed when the va-fealoai (mutual relationship) among the people, families, villages and districts is violated or polluted. For instance, the two most severe crimes that violate the social norm in the communities are faamaligi-toto (murder or bloodshed) and solitofaga (trespassing in the high chief’s residential place at night, rape or violence against women). These crimes create a strong sense of solidarity and pride among families and village people involved, and normally result in retaliation from the victim’s side leading to more violence and bloodshed. In this context, the ifoga ritual functions to restore order, peace and harmony; it assists reconciling families and communities involved by overcoming violence and bloodshed. The ifoga ritual process begins with the performance of the high chief of the perpetrator’s family or village, as Turner demonstrates, “by bowing down in abject submission”18 in front of the victim’s house, covering him/herself with the ietoga (Samoan treasure, fine mat) in return for acceptance, forgiveness, and restoring good relations with the offended party. Traditionally, it was expected that the victim’s family to receive the perpetrator’s party, reconcile with their family and village, have a feast together, and present them gifts (fine mats, and food).19 Once the ifoga is accepted, the offender’s party changes their status from being an enemy, to that of honoured guests. The victim’s party also changes their status, from being victims to that of the host, and the host will show their hospitality through serving the guests. One can observe here a reversal of power that enables the victims to re-establish social honour and respect. These symbolic actions not only reveal the religious and social values of the community, but they alsoinitiate the transformation of people’s attitudes and behaviour.