rokataan

Rokataan is a traditional communal performance and craft form described in the fictional ethnography of the Rokata archipelago. The term originates from the Rokata language, where 'roka' means 'to gather' and 'taan' denotes 'story' or 'craft.'

The Rokataan performance centers on a rotating leadership: a lead storyteller, a chorus of chanters, and a circle of artisans who weave mats and banners during the performance. The event combines narrative, song, rhythmic drumming, and live weaving. It typically takes place at outdoor venues, often during harvest festivals, and may last from dusk until morning.

Function and transmission: Rokataan serves to preserve myths, genealogies, and communal knowledge, passing from elders to apprentices through supervised participation. Participation is often stratified by age and kinship, and the craft is valued for its distinctive textiles, dye patterns, and loomed motifs that symbolize local cosmology.

In modern Rokatan communities, the practice has been documented by researchers and adapted for education and tourism. Some practitioners emphasize strict traditional forms, while others mix contemporary music and design, producing hybrid performances that appeal to broader audiences.