Samoan Material Culture
Scarecrows
Scarecrows
Scarecrows (aveau) were seen in the talo cultivation at Aunuu. They consisted of two plaited maile (rough food platters) of coconut leaves placed back to back and inserted vertically over the end of sticks stuck upright in various parts. As the wind blew they rotated a little, giving sufficient movement to startle the manuali'i (Porphyrio samoensis) which frequent the talo patches and destroy newly planted tiapula.