Teo Tuvale

Teo Tuvale (26 August 1855 – December 1919) was a notable Samoan historian who served terms as Chief Justice and Secretary to Government in Samoa during the era of colonialism.

An older brother with the family's matai chief title of Le Mamea Makalau was a Samoan official in the government and helped him to get work in the administration.

[5] Tuvale's historical works included detailed recordings of Samoan architecture, genealogies (gafa), fa'a Samoa, culture, language and ceremonies.

[1]Tuvale also helped two brothers compile another important historical document Tusi Fa'alupega (Samoan ceremonial greetings in oratory) which was given to the London Missionary Society.

[2] Tuvale is the grandfather of Samoan author, educator and professor Peggy Fairbairn-Dunlop[7] and great-grandfather of New Zealand High Commissioner to South Africa Emma Dunlop-Bennett.