New exhibition sheds light on thriving traditional Samoan art in American Samoa

The Field Museum in Chicago is set to debut "Amerika Samoa," a temporary exhibition opening March 6, 2026, in the Regenstein Halls of the Pacific. Co-curated by Reggie Meredith Fitiao and Su’a Uilisone Fitiao of the nonprofit Fa’asamoa Arts, the show focuses on two primary Samoan art forms: siapo mamanu (painted barkcloth) and tatau (tattoo). The exhibition features contemporary works alongside historical pieces from the museum's collection, including a collaborative large-scale siapo created with the Chicago Samoan community.