This video is published in good faith to help preserve the Savunese culture known to have survived the Portuguese, Dutch, Japanese and Indonesian invasions. The presence of the Indonesian occupation creates many factors that force the recent generations of Savunese to neglect and ignore their own culture and ideology.
Matters such traditional Savunese songs are being considered of no importance and under the Indonesian education policy, Savunese are not allowed to speak their own language, only Indonesian. Savunese songs are mostly concerned with pivotal historical times and events. Many Savunese songs can help trace one's genealogy. According to Savunese culture and unwritten Savunese law, they can only pass on oral history throughout generations. Tracing one's genealogy is an important matter for Savunese, since it's their only way of citizenship registry.
The surviving elderly Savunese historians are now refusing to give accounts to Westerners regarding cultural metters of The Savu Islands. This is due to how some Western researchers have time and again misinterpreted their culture. Some Western researchers have published incorrect accounts and even labelled themselves 'experts' on Savunese culture. Such titles are highly inappropriate and are unappreciated by Savunese, since an observer cannot fully comprehend a culture unless one lives it or absorbs it. With no shame, certain Western researchers continue to financially make profit from selling books with inaccurate accounts on The Savu Islands. These days, as a Westerner researcher one shall not be surprised to find their accounts on Savu full of hoax stories.
Kind regards,
Francesca V.R.
Traditional music
Instruments
The Savunese ukulele, or Ketadu is
the most commonly played instrument among
Savunese in their everyday life.
The
traditional Savunese harp, or Ketadu haba, is
made of palm leaves and bamboo.
