Faleniu, American Samoa
Faleniu | |
|---|---|
Village | |
  Faleniu | |
| Coordinates: 14°19′57″S 170°44′40″W / 14.33250°S 170.74444°W | |
| Country |  United States |
| Territory |  American Samoa |
| County | Tuālāuta |
| Area | |
• Total | 0.27 sq mi (0.69 km2) |
| Elevation | 167 ft (51 m) |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 1,953 |
| • Density | 7,741.2/sq mi (2,988.9/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−11 (Samoa Time Zone) |
| ZIP code | 96799 |
| Area code | +1 684 |
Faleniu is a village in the west of Tutuila Island, American Samoa. It is located inland from the village of Tafuna, in Tuālāuta County.
Its name translates to "the home in the palm grove."[1] Another translation is "House of coconuts".[2]
As of 2010, Faleniu had a 61.7 percent high school graduation rate, which was the lowest of any village in American Samoa.[3] Also in 2010, Faleniu was the most densely-populated village in American Samoa at 7,741.2 people per square mile (20,050 people/km2).[4]
History
[edit]Excavations at Faleniu (AS-31-131) have revealed a substantial array of terraces, walls, and other structural remains dating back roughly 2000 BCE. Early settlers endured an inhospitable landscape dominated by lava fields and ongoing volcanic activity, as evidenced by a distinct red ash layer capping ceramic-bearing deposits. This layer offers a key chronological benchmark, with signs of human occupation both before and after its deposition. Its presence, along with other features such as mounds and stone enclosures, points to an enduring community that adapted to changing conditions. Radiocarbon dates place this pivotal volcanic event around 240–640 AD, marking centuries of continued habitation and environmental negotiation. Artifacts found at the site—particularly decorated pottery and shell bracelets—indicate cultural links to the Ancestral Polynesian Society. These finely crafted items, frequently incised and intricately shaped, reflect both the artistry and cultural practices of the Samoan people. The inland location of Faleniu, combined with its extensive terraces and stone constructions, suggests a deliberate strategic shift away from coastal areas, possibly in response to scarce resources or ecological pressures. Such developments often underscore an understanding of land use, social organization, and possibly ceremonial functions that extended well beyond mere survival.[5][6]
During the early 20th century, the Latter-day Saints' land in Faleniu became a focal point for the LDS Church's efforts to establish a 'gathering to Zion' on U.S. territory in the Pacific.[7] In April 1910, the Mormon mission, acting on behalf of Mapusaga (then home to 128 people), requested that Faleniu and Mapusaga be split into two separate villages, each with its own mayor and magistrate. Faleniu opposed the proposal, noting that students at Mapusaga’s school came from across the Samoan Islands and were only in Faleniu temporarily. Furthermore, Mapusaga had no matais, and the role of mayor required a matai. In the end, the request for separation was denied, and Mapusaga remained a locality within the village of Faleniu.[8]
Demographics
[edit]| Year | Population[9] |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 1,953 |
| 2010 | 1,898 |
| 2000 | 2,056 |
| 1990 | 833 |
| 1980 | 544 |
References
[edit]- ^ Tu'u'u, Misilugi Tulifau Tofaeono (2001). Rulers of Samoa Islands & Their Legends and Decrees: 2000 B.C.-1912. Tuga'ula Publication. Page 46. ISBN 9780958219952.
- ^ Churchill, W. (1913). "Geographical Nomenclature of American Samoa". Bulletin of the American Geographical Society, 45(3), page 191. Retrieved on December 6, 2024, from https://doi.org/10.2307/199273.
- ^ "American Samoa Statistical Yearbook 2016" (PDF). American Samoa Department of Commerce. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2019-02-14. Retrieved 2019-07-25.
- ^ https://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=DEC_10_ASSF_P36&prodType=table[permanent dead link] American FactFinder. P36. Population Density. Universe: Total Population. 2010 American Samoa Summary File. Retrieved September 2, 2019.
- ^ Addison, David J. and Tautala S. Asaua (2006). “One Hundred New Dates from Tutuila and Manu'a: Additional Data Addressing Chronological Issues in Samoan Prehistory”. The Journal of Sāmoan Studies, Volume 2. Pages 95-117.
- ^ Addison, David J. and Christophe Sand (2008). Recent Advances in the Archaeology of the Fiji/West-Polynesia Region. University of Otago Studies in Prehistoric Anthropology, No. 21. Page 92. ISBN 9780473145866.
- ^ Garrett, John (1992). Footsteps in the Sea: Christianity in Oceania to World War II. Institute of Pacific Studies, University of the South Pacific. Pages 211-212. ISBN 9789820200685.
- ^ Crose, William M. (1927). American Samoa: A General Report by the Governor. U.S. Government Printing Office. Page 107.
- ^ "American Samoa Statistical Yearbook 2016" (PDF). American Samoa Department of Commerce. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2019-02-14. Retrieved 2019-07-25.
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