mocími

Mocími is a traditional cultural practice described in ethnographic sources as a synthesis of song, dance, and weaving, developed by communities in the highland region of Nyara in the northeastern archipelago. The practice is communal, typically performed during harvests, ceremonies, and communal gatherings. It is defined not only by its musical repertoire but also by the textiles produced in tandem, which incorporate motifs that mirror musical phrases.

The term mocími stems from the Nyaran language, combining roots for "sound" and "thread" and is commonly translated as "threaded sound" or "sound of weaving."

Practices and techniques involve a chorus of singers, percussive claps, and a group of weavers at loom stations. The music follows cyclical, interlocking patterns with a pentatonic scale, while textiles are woven with color-coded motifs that correspond to the sung phrases. Instruments include simple rattles and wooden drums.

The practice reinforces social bonds, transmits genealogies and local histories, and provides a framework for rites of passage. Knowledge is traditionally transmitted from elders to apprentices through participation in ongoing performances.

In recent decades, mocími has undergone revival and documentation efforts. Ethnographic projects, museums, and community programs aim to preserve the tradition, while some communities explore cross-cultural collaborations and tourism-education initiatives.