The word Pule refers to appointments or authorities conferred on certain clans or individuals, sometime in the political history of Samoa. This traditional Pule authority was centred in certain villages around Savaii. In the early 20th century, these Pule areas on Savaii island were Safotulafai, Saleaula, Safotu, Asau, Satupaitea and Palauli. Safotu, Asau, Satupaitea and Vailoa (Palauli district) gained 'Pule' status at different times in the 19th Century, and together with the two older Pule districts, Safotulafai and Saleaula, became the six Pule centres on Savaii.