Fatumafuti, American Samoa

Fatu-ma-futi is a village in central Tutuila Island, American Samoa. It is located at the easternmost point of the entrance to Pago Pago Harbor, south of Pago Pago. Flowerpot Rock, also known as Fatu Rock, is found along the highway in Fatumafuti. Legend says Fatu and Futi (two offshore islets) were lovers living in the Manu’a Islands. They wanted to get married but were forbidden to do so. The couple sailed from Savai'i (Samoa), looking for Tutuila Island; their canoe sank, and the pair were transformed into these tree-topped islands.





== Etymology ==

The name Fatu-ma-Futi originates from two basalt islets offshore (Fatu Rock), believed to represent male and female figures in local legends. These oral traditions emphasize the cultural significance of the site within the Samoan community.





== History ==

Initial settlement at Fatu-ma-Futi is estimated to have occurred between 1600 and 1300 years ago. Radiocarbon dating and stratigraphic analysis suggest that the site underwent a transition from episodic use to permanent habitation.