suruõhu

Suruõhu is a ceremonial practice described in the ethnographic literature of the Nyamori archipelago. It refers to a multigenerational gathering that combines song, dance, and the redistribution of resources during the annual harvest festival. The event is hosted by neighborhoods and organized by a rotating committee; participation is typically open to all households in the community.

The term derives from the Nyamori roots suru- "to share" and õhu "voice" or "song." In regional dialects, the word may appear in compounds that emphasize generosity, chorus, or communal memory.

Practices vary by island but share core elements: a circular or semi-circular seating arrangement, a lead chanter who sets the melodic motif, and a repertoire of call-and-response phrases. Drums, flutes, and carved wooden instruments accompany the singing. The ritual begins at sundown and often continues into the early morning, ending with a communal meal in which harvest gifts are redistributed to households.

Eastern island communities favor narrative performances that recount ancestral deeds, while western communities emphasize physical dance forms and synchronized movements. Some groups integrate novice apprentices into the performance to pass on techniques and repertory.

Suruõhu is viewed as a primary mechanism for social cohesion, mutual aid, and cultural memory. Scholars note its role in reinforcing norms around sharing and reciprocity, and several organizations document and support its transmission through festivals and educational programs.