What role did matai chiefs play in Samoan villages?

In Samoan society, the matai are chiefs who serve as the heads of extended families, known as aiga. Each aiga designates at least one matai to lead and represent them.123

The primary roles of the matai include:

• Local Governance: Matai form village and district councils, called fono, which are responsible for administering and controlling local affairs.234
• Social Leadership: They play a central role in cultural life and social customs, such as the traditional consumption of kava during social events.5
• Political Representation: The matai system is deeply integrated into the national government; in Samoa, members of the Legislative Assembly must be matai.6

These chiefs are typically selected by their extended families based on consensus, and most hold hereditary titles that are considered very old.2