Flag of American Samoa

The flag of American Samoa is a striking symbol of the territory's unique identity, history, and relationship with the United States. Adopted on April 24, 1960, it stands as a testament to the blend of Samoan heritage and American influence.

Design and Symbolism

The flag features a central white triangle with a red border, which points towards the hoist. The triangle is flanked by two blue triangles, one on the top and one on the bottom. The most prominent feature is the American bald eagle, rendered in white, clutching two traditional Samoan symbols: a war club (uatogi) and a fly whisk (fue).

• Red, White, and Blue: These colors are a direct nod to the United States flag, symbolizing the strong ties between American Samoa and the U.S. They represent courage (red), purity and peace (white), and freedom and loyalty (blue).

• The American Bald Eagle: The eagle is a powerful emblem of the United States, representing strength, liberty, and national unity. Its presence on the flag signifies the protective role and sovereign status of the U.S. over the territory.

• Uatogi (War Club): This ancient Samoan war club symbolizes the authority and power of Samoan chiefs and the traditional strength of the Samoan people.

• Fue (Fly Whisk): The fly whisk represents the wisdom and authority of Samoan orators, known as tulafale. Together with the club, it signifies the balance of power, wisdom, and tradition within Samoan society.

History and Adoption

Before 1960, American Samoa officially used the U.S. flag. However, a desire to have a unique symbol that reflected the territory's own culture and history led to the creation of a new flag. A design committee, led by High Chief Tuanaitau F. Pula, oversaw the process. The chosen design, created by an artist named L.E. Miller, was officially hoisted for the first time on Flag Day, April 24, 1960, a date chosen to honor the anniversary of the first U.S. flag being raised over the territory in 1900.

The People and the Region

American Samoa is an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the South Pacific Ocean, southeast of Samoa. The population is predominantly of Samoan descent, a Polynesian ethnic group. Samoan culture is rich in tradition, centered around the fa'a Samoa (the Samoan way), which emphasizes family, community, respect for elders, and a strong sense of pride. The flag is a source of great pride for the people, symbolizing their unique identity as both Samoan and American.

Interesting Facts

• The flag's design was a collaborative effort, combining elements suggested by local Samoan leaders and American officials.

• The flag is also sometimes referred to as the "Tautai" flag, a Samoan word for navigator or captain, highlighting the Samoan people's deep connection to the sea.

• The colors and symbols were meticulously chosen to ensure they honored both the territory's indigenous heritage and its relationship with the U.S.

The Flag of American Samoa is more than just a piece of fabric; it's a powerful narrative woven into the fabric of the territory's past, present, and future. It visually articulates the enduring spirit of the Samoan people and their steadfast connection to the United States.

In the demonstration images, full-size flags are shown with proportions of 2:3, and hand-held flags with proportions of 1:2.