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matai
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matai

Samoan government
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In Samoa, a matai is a Samoan chief who holds a hereditary title and leads an extended family or village. These matai are central to the Samoan government and society. Each of the thousands of aiga (extended families) designates at least one matai to represent them.12

Village councils, formed by matai, are responsible for administering local affairs. Historically, villages were ruled by councils of matai, and extended family ties were crucial, often leading to inter-family warfare for supremacy. In the modern constitutional framework, members of the Legislative Assembly must be Samoan matai.234

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
6 Britannica Sources
  1. matai
  2. Samoa - Local government
  3. Samoa - Early period
  4. Samoa - Constitutional framework
  5. history of Samoa
  6. Samoa - Rule by New Zealand

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