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American Samoa

Territory of American Samoa

image by Carlos Esparza
Proportions: 1:2
Usage code:
Hoisted: 27 April 1960

ISO Code: AS ASM 016
FIPS 10-4 Code: AQ
MARC Code: as
IOC Code: ASA
Status: territory of the United States

Description of the flag

See also:

Description of the flag

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 February 1996

According to Webster's Concise Encyclopedia of Flags, 1985 [mch85a]:

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

The protocol manual for the London 2012 Olympics (Flags and Anthems Manual London 2012) provides recommendations for national flag designs. Each NOC was sent an image of the flag, including the PMS shades, for their approval by LOCOG. Once this was obtained, LOCOG produced a 60 x 90 cm version of the flag for further approval. So, while these specs may not be the official, government, version of each flag, they are certainly what the NOC believed the flag to be. For American Samoa, PMS 281 blue, 032 red, 109 yellow, 167 brown and black. The vertical version has the eagle's wings on the left, and the fly-whisk on the right.
Ian Sumner, 10 October 2012