Vailele

The archaeological exploration of Vailele, a village on the north coast of Upolu island in Samoa, uncovered significant earth mounds, including the Laupule mound, linked with local oral history. These mounds, identified as artificial, are associated with Tupuivao and the Tapuitea mound. This site also yielded plainware pottery sherds discovered by archaeologist Jack Golson in the mid-20th century. The village was notably impacted by colonial and post-colonial land transactions, with the German company Deutsche Handels und Plantagen Gesellschaft (DHPG) establishing a significant plantation in the 1800s. The findings at Vailele provide insights into the region's historical land use and cultural heritage during the Industrial Period, reflecting both indigenous Samoan traditions and the impacts of European colonial activities.