THE SURU PROJECT AT THE AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM
The Suru Project at The Australian Museum – Honouring Rotuman Identity, Art & Leadership
Rako Pasefika proudly presents The Suru Project as part of the Australian Museum’s Wansolmoana Exhibition, bringing visibility to the Rotuman Suru headdress—a powerful symbol of leadership, artistry, and connection to place.
Through dance, weaving, and storytelling, Rako Pasefika breathes life into the Suru, ensuring its significance is recognised and carried forward. This marks the first time a Suru has been handwoven in Australia, a milestone in the ongoing journey of cultural reclamation.
The exhibition also features live performances and workshops, offering audiences a rare opportunity to engage with Rotuman creativity, history, and innovation.
The Suru Project at The Australian Museum – Honouring Rotuman Identity, Art & Leadership
“The Suru is a traditional headdress from the island of Rotuma. It is made with feathers, shells, and coconut fibre, and worn by chiefs during ceremonies to represent their status and connection to the land and sea.”
— Australian Museum
“This is the first time a Suru has been handwoven in Australia. It’s not just about making an object—it’s about keeping the knowledge, skills, and stories alive.”
— ABC Pacific
“Pasifika culture is making waves with landmark exhibitions that highlight Indigenous storytelling, creative excellence, and the resilience of Pacific communities.”
— National Indigenous Times
Reviving Rotuman Heritage Through Weaving, Performance & Storytelling
Pronunciation & Meaning
Suru [phonetic: soo-roo] – A sacred Rotuman headdress, symbolizing leadership, status, and ancestral wisdom.
Exhibition
Wansolmoana at The Australian Museum – A landmark exhibition honouring Pacific histories, cultural resilience, and ancestral knowledge-sharing.
Director & Lead Artist
Letila Mitchell
Cultural Custodians & Artists
Master Steven John - Primary Craftsman and
Rako Pasefika Performers – Bringing the Suru to life through dance, music, and storytelling
Wansolmoana Curator
Melissa Malu
WHAT IS THE SURU PROJECT?
The Suru Project is a cultural revitalisation initiative that brings together master weavers, artists, and performers to celebrate and restore knowledge of the Suru, a traditional Rotuman headdress worn by chiefs, warriors, and respected leaders.
The Suru is more than an adornment—it embodies ancestral wisdom, status, and spiritual protection. Traditionally crafted from pandanus, feathers, and sacred materials, it signifies the connection between people, land, and the unseen world.
For the first time in history, a Suru has been handwoven in Australia and is now displayed at the Australian Museum's Wansolmoana Exhibition, alongside stories of Rotuman artistry, resilience, and identity.
The Suru Project’s Impact
Cultural Preservation – Documenting & reviving endangered weaving techniques
Exhibition & Performance – Showcasing Rotuman artistry in Australia
Storytelling Through Dance & Music – Rako Pasefika performs live interpretations of the Suru’s meaning
Workshops & Community Engagement – Sharing knowledge through weaving demonstrations
MEDIA & PRESS COVERAGE
As Featured In:
ABC Pacific Beat
Pacific Exhibition Highlights Cultural Resilience
"The Suru Project brings Pacific stories to a wider audience, showing how these traditions remain alive through the strength of community knowledge holders."
National Indigenous Times
Pasifika Culture Makes Waves with Landmark Exhibition
"A significant step in reclaiming cultural identity, the Suru Project is ensuring that Pacific artistry and storytelling remain central in contemporary museum spaces."
Australian Museum Media Release
Wansolmoana Exhibition Overview
"This exhibition brings together powerful Indigenous voices from across the Pacific, celebrating the strength of our ancestral knowledge."
Australian Museum Facebook Feature
The Story of the Suru
"The Suru is a powerful representation of Rotuman identity—woven with care, history, and mana."
ARTIST STATEMENT
"The Suru represents the resilience of our people. Each weave tells a story of our ancestors, the land, and the responsibilities passed down through generations. This project is about more than an artefact—it’s about reconnecting, reclaiming, and honouring the voices of those who came before us." – Letila Mitchell, Director
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS & GRATITUDE
Elders & Weavers – For sharing their time-honoured knowledge
Rako Pasefika – For bringing the Suru’s story to life through movement & music
Australian Museum – For creating space for Pacific cultural narratives
Community Supporters – For championing cultural preservation
SUPPORT & GET INVOLVED
Visit the Exhibition – Explore the Wansolmoana Exhibition at The Australian Museum.
Follow Rako Pasefika – Stay updated on performances & projects.
Donate & Partner – Help sustain cultural storytelling & heritage preservation.