mvével

Mvével is a ceremonial performance form described in ethnographic literature as a hybrid of oral poetry, percussion, and coordinated movement. It is traditionally performed by communities in the Æral archipelago during harvest festivals, rites of passage, and other communal gatherings to mark transitions, seasons, and collective memory. The practice is characterized by structured verses, call-and-response sections, and a sequence of dance gestures that accompany the spoken text.

Etymology and naming: The term mvével derives from the local Æri language, with roots believed to mean “to bind together” or “to unite,” reflecting the social function of the performance in reinforcing communal ties. The pronunciation often includes a glottal stop and a rising intonation that signals cue points within the performance.

Performance elements: A typical mvével event combines a lead chanter or elder, a chorus, and a percussion ensemble featuring hand drums, rattles, and simple wind instruments. The choreography emphasizes synchronized steps, circular formations, and gestures that illustrate the verses. Performances may last from 20 minutes to over an hour, with room for audience participation and interludes that invite informal storytelling.

History and variants: Documented records suggest mvével emerged in the early modern period within coastal settlements of the archipelago, evolving through regional styles and troupe traditions. Variants exist in tempo, vocal style, and instrument sets, reflecting local ecology, language, and social structure. In contemporary times, mvével has seen revival and adaptation, sometimes incorporating recorded music or contemporary choreography while retaining traditional motifs.

Cultural role: Mvével serves as a vehicle for oral history, moral instruction, and community resilience. It reinforces shared identity, transmits genealogies, and provides a sanctioned space for collective emotion. Scholarly attention focuses on its ritual function, performance grammar, and the balance between preservation and modernization.