The One-Pronged Arrow — Samoan Proverb Tee

Aumai le u matatasi e fana a'i le lupe ua i le filifili.
"Bring the one-pronged arrow to shoot the pigeon in the thicket."

This alagaupu (Samoan proverb) draws on the skill of the old-time hunter: a many-pronged arrow would snag on leaves and branches in a thicket, so only the single-pronged arrow — precise and unobstructed — could reach a pigeon hidden deep in the brush. Samoans use this saying, an upu fa'aaloalo (words of respect), to say that in a difficult situation, only a wise tulafale (talking chief) can cut through the complexity and give the right counsel — so the community relies on him to make the call.