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American Samoa

Territory of American Samoa

1:2
by Carlos Esparza

Flag adopted 24 April 1960

See also:

United States of America

In his left claw is an orator's "fly-flap". This is a functional object (used to shoo flies away) which has become the symbol of a "talking chief", one of the ranks of Samoan nobles. In his right claw is what looks like a dance-paddle, a form of club used in dancing.
Stuart Park 19 Feb 1996

From Webster's Concise Encyclopedia of Flags, 1985:

The flag is blue with a white triangle, edged in red, based on the fly. The triangle extends to the hoist and bears the American eagle in proper colors and facing towards the hoist. It grasps the symbol of power of the Samoan chiefs, the "uatogi" (war-club), and the symbol of wisdom of the councils, the "fue" (ritual stick). The colors of the flag are both Samoan and American, and the American eagle, holding traditional Samoan emblems, represents the protection and friendship of the United States.

Jarig Bakker, 10 April 2000