Mary Jewett Pritchard

Mary Jewett Pritchard (1905–1992) was the American Samoan artist most responsible for reviving siapo mamanu, the hand-painted bark cloth tradition of Samoa. Born in Pago Pago to a Samoan mother, Felesita Fuga, and an American father, Joseph Jewett, she grew up around siapo-making before training seriously in the craft from 1929 under masters Tui‘uli Leoso and Kolone Fai‘ivae Leoso in Leone. From 1927 she also exported siapo, mats, and other handwork made by local artisans, giving them access to overseas markets.