Teaching Future Siapo-Makers

In the heart of American Samoa, the ancient barkcloth tradition of siapo or Samoan barkcloth making is alive and thriving, thanks to the artistry and dedication of Regina “Reggie” Meredith Fitiao. As a Master Siapo maker, Reggie stands as a powerful steward of Samoan culture, one whose hands shape not only barkcloth, but generations of cultural continuity.

Siapo, a traditional Samoan art form is more than just fabric. It is a language of identity, belonging, and history. Made from the inner bark of the uʻa (paper mulberry tree), siapo is dyed and decorated with motifs that reflect the stories of Samoan life.

Reggie has spent decades preserving the art of siapo, not only as an artist but as an educator and culture-bearer. Her commitment to the practice is rooted in the deep understanding that siapo is a living art, one passed down from generation to generation. She’s not just making art; she is sharing ancestral, intergenerational knowledge with the siapo makers of tomorrow.

In her role as a siapo-maker or master teacher of siapo, Reggie has taken on several apprentices, nurturing them with the same care and patience required in her own siapo-making. Mary J. Pritchard, Reggie's mentor, imparted on her an important belief---Each mentee is more than a student, they are the carriers of this heritage art, continuing the lineage of siapo practitioners.

Reggie and Puataunofo working on the center of a siapo mamanu for the Field Museum of Chicago

Among these mentees is Puataunofo Fuatino Tofaeono, who began her journey with Reggie in 2015. Over the past decade, Puataunofo has grown into a formidable artist in her own right. Her work echoes the cultural grounding and meticulous techniques she learned under Reggie’s guidance, with her own style of siapo making seen in her art. Their relationship embodies the Samoan principle of fa‘asamoa, the preservation of customs through familial and communal bonds; Reggie is like a mother to Puataunofo. With each stroke of dye and stretched sheet of bark, she continues the work of cultural remembrance, transformation, and survival.

Cher stretching the uʻa

Shalina Prescott  and Cher Nomura are also part of Reggie’s expanding circle of protégés. These emerging artists bring their own unique voices to the practice while embracing the traditional framework.

What sets Reggie apart is her holistic approach to mentorship. She teaches more than the mechanical skills of beating bark or applying natural dyes. She imparts the sacred philosophies and values that imbue siapo with meaning and purpose. Apprentices learn how to harvest materials responsibly, how to honor ancestors through their work, and how to view siapo as a spiritual practice, not just an artistic one.

This deep intergenerational exchange is not confined to classrooms or workshops. It takes place in homes, villages, and community events. In any space where learning can happen organically, through lived experience and shared stories, Reggie teaches with the philosophy that siapo is for everyone if you give it the time and dedication to learn and appreciate the process.

In a time when globalization threatens to erode indigenous practices, Reggie’s work is nothing short of revolutionary. She proves that traditional knowledge is not a relic of the past, but a dynamic, evolving force and she continues to push forward. Her mentorship bridges the gap between ancestral wisdom and contemporary identity, ensuring that siapo remains relevant and resilient.

Through Reggie and her apprentices, siapo continues to pulse with life. Each piece a testimony to cultural memory, resistance, and pride. Reggie’s journey as a master siapo maker is far from over, but her legacy is already deeply etched into the cultural landscape of Samoa and beyond. With apprentices like Puataunofo, Shalina, and Cher carrying the torch, the future of siapo looks bright, textured, and deeply rooted. In honoring her role, we honor the strength of intergenerational knowledge and the beauty of an unbroken line of artists, teachers, and storytellers who keep Samoan identity alive, one piece of barkcloth at a time.