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Free museum entry for New Zealanders and people living in New Zealand
Watch the four Filo-Masoe sisters talk about how adornment influences their lives as Sāmoan women, and the Western trope of Pasifika women being perceived and portrayed as anonymous exotic dusky maidens.
“And so for me, and this trope of dusky maiden, I don't mind it, aye, ... because I'm cool – it's out there now. And so it's up to us to use that as an opportunity to start conversations about the Pacific and how you can reframe people's mind, how you can decolonise, I guess, people's mind...”
– Fabiefara Filo-Masoe
Sāmoan
Māori
English
The Filo-Masoe sisters are the daughters of the late Masoe Auva’a and the late Fara Masoe (née Filo), from the villages of Asau, Safune, Salelologa, Sa’anapu and Alafua in Sāmoa. Their creativity is a living continuation of the legacy left by their beloved father, Masoe Auva’a Va'ele Masoe – a highly respected and well-known artist and sign-maker whose work remains etched into the visual landscape of Sāmoa.
His artistry lives on through iconic projects such as the Apia Park rugby on-field signages, stained-glass church windows, the distinctive red and yellow carved wooden village name signs, painted pageant backdrops, bus signages, and many other works cherished across the country.
Inspired – and beautifully gifted and blessed – by their late father’s creative spirit, the Filo-Masoe sisters have each developed their own artistic expressions while remaining grounded in family, culture, and place.
Locally known for their floral creations, they work with fresh flowers to craft ‘ula (neck garlands), pale (head garlands), and floral arrangements; explore contemporary materials to create unique sei; and weave flora motifs throughout their stencil-cut cards, fabric printing, and visual artworks. Energetic and deeply passionate, the sisters often share stories of flora and creativity that reflect their upbringing in Sāmoa and the values instilled in them by their 'āiga.
Taeaolelei, the second eldest, is a graduate of a Bachelor of Arts in Pacific Studies and Matā‘upu tau Sāmoa from Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington, where she now serves as the Pasifika Library Navigator. A gifted artist, she specialises in sei-making, stencil-cut cards, fabric printing, and floral arrangements.
The third eldest, Fabiefara, is a Senior Adviser, Pasifika Identity at Te Herenga Waka and currently serves as President of the Wellington Central Branch of PACIFICA Inc. (Pacific Allied (Women’s) Council Inspires Faith in Ideals Concerning All, Incorporated).
Sosefina, the fourth daughter, is an emerging fashion designer whose work is deeply rooted in the idea of wearing stories on our bodies – expressed through thoughtful pattern, symbolism, and cultural narrative. She holds a Bachelor of Design with Honours in Fashion Design from Massey University’s Toi Rauwhārangi College of Creative Arts, where she works as the Pacific Creative Navigator.
The baby of the family, Miracle, is also the youngest participant featured in these films. A Wellington-based freelance multidisciplinary artist, she is known for her delicate watercolour practice alongside oil paintings, sketches, and other mixed-media works. Through both commissioned and independent projects, her art thoughtfully explores themes of memory and identity, including contributions to published works.
The sisters also lovingly acknowledge their eldest sister, Mireta – the master of all their artistic forms combined – who continues to explore and honour flora through her creations in their motherland, Sāmoa.
Watch Phylesha Brown-Acton talk about how adornment influences her life as a Niuean woman, and the Western trope of Pasifika women being perceived and portrayed as anonymous exotic dusky maidens.
Watch Losalio Milika Pusiaki talk about how adornment influences her life as a Tongan woman, and the Western trope of Pasifika women being perceived and portrayed as anonymous exotic dusky maidens.
Watch five interviews with eight Pasifika women examining the trope of the sensual ‘dusky maiden’ and the cultural significance of flowers in the Te moananui a Kiwa Pacific Islands. Explore further through blog articles responding to the films, Te Papa collection images examples, and more Pacific writing and media.
