American Samoa, an unincorporated territory of the United States located in the South Pacific, has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its art and literature. The Samoan people have a long tradition of storytelling, visual arts, and crafts that have been passed down through generations. While American Samoa is primarily known for its indigenous Polynesian culture, the influence of American colonialism has also shaped its artistic and literary expressions.

Art in American Samoa often revolves around traditional crafts and visual representations of Samoan culture. Tapa cloth, made from the bark of the mulberry tree and decorated with intricate patterns and designs, is a significant art form in the territory. It is used for clothing, wall hangings, and ceremonial purposes. Wood carving is another prominent art form, with skilled artisans creating sculptures and decorative items depicting mythological figures, ancestral gods, and important cultural symbols. Additionally, shell and bone carving, weaving, and tattooing hold significant cultural and artistic value in American Samoa.

Literature in American Samoa includes both traditional oral storytelling and written works. Traditional Samoan legends and myths are often passed down through generations orally, preserving the rich history and cultural beliefs of the Samoan people. These stories typically revolve around the relationship between humans, gods, and nature, offering moral lessons and insights into Samoan cultural values.

In terms of written literature, American Samoa has produced notable authors who have explored Samoan identity, history, and contemporary issues through their works. One such author is Albert Wendt, a renowned Samoan novelist, poet, and academic, whose novels like "Sons for the Return Home" and "Flying-Fox in a Freedom Tree" depict the complexities of post-colonial Samoan society and explore themes of identity, cultural clash, and social change. Other Samoan authors, such as Sia Figiel and Lani Wendt Young, have also gained recognition for their literary contributions.

American Samoa's art and literature serve as important vehicles for preserving and celebrating Samoan culture, history, and identity. They provide insights into the territory's unique heritage, while also showcasing the influences of both indigenous traditions and American colonialism.