sitomaa

Sitomaa is a traditional communal art form described as part of the cultural heritage of the Sitomai, a fictional coastal community in the Norin archipelago. It combines hand weaving, rhythmic performance, and oral storytelling into a single social event that reinforces communal identity and collective memory.

The practice centers on a rotating leadership cycle in which a master weaver, a lead storyteller, and a drummer guide a village gathering. Weaving patterns encode genealogies and local histories, while songs and narratives recount migrations, harvests, and notable events.

Etymology: Sitomaa derives from the Sitomai language, with "sito" meaning together and "maa" meaning memory.

Historical development: Documented in village chronicles from the 17th century and revived in the 20th century by cultural preservation efforts.

Contemporary practice includes beadwork, panel weaving, and seasonal demonstrations; in some communities modern instruments supplement traditional drums. It is recognized within local intangible heritage initiatives and is studied for its role in social cohesion.

See also intangible cultural heritage, weaving, storytelling.