Ankh're

Aveh Project: Cultural Notes

What are common modes of dress within Aveh? Are there differences between genders? Between nomadic and sedentary lifestyles?

Most Avik prefer to 'dress for the weather', as it were. Clothing tends to be either loose and flowing, or cut close to body; in most cases, however, freedom of movement has top priority. The most frequent articles of clothing are loose, billowing trews (often gathered in at the ankles), long, split robes and/or loose tunics, and ornate wrapped vests. In some areas, people may wear halter-like harness-shirts, tailored high-waited jackets, or long full skirts (often split, like robes, for riding). Footwear is usually high- or low-cut boots, or small slipper-like shoes; sandals are also common. Veils, cowls and head-scarves frequently encountered, especially when traveling. Ceremonial clothing includes delicate, wide-sleeved robes or little more than a split skirt and jewelry.

It is a frequent comment by foreigners that "there's not a shade or color in existence that the Avik do not adore". Clothing is brightly colored sometimes as contrast over a buff or ivory basal color and often highly embroidered, fringed, or otherwise ornamented. When traveling, Avik will frequently conceal this riot of color under dun-colored traveler's wraps (as described below), in order to blend in with their environment. This trend was also noted during Shakhan's tenure; a cut in trade, the rise in dye and other taxes, and a desire to remain visually anonymous resulted in an almost universal adoption of (for Avik) unnaturally dull colors.

There is much less difference between gender and style within Aveh than that which can be found within other lands. Avik males are just as fond of ornamentation and a good appearance as any female if not more so and saeu are equally guilty. An amusing side-effect of this unisexual style of clothing is the inability of some foreigners to distinguish the sexes while within Aveh.

Nomadic Avik tend towards more ornate clothing than the sedentary clans, primarily because they carry few belongings with them and therefore highly ornament what they do bring along. They also tend to layer their clothing in order to protect themselves from the sand-laden winds and the extremes of temperature. Originating with the nomads is a robe-like, enveloping cloak known as a gessen ("traveler's wrap"), used as protection when traveling; this particular article of clothing has subsequently spread throughout Avik life. The sedentary Avik are somewhat of fashion magpies, adapting foreign tastes in clothing to suit their own likes and needs. In most cases this translates into more closely-cut or tailored clothing and a lessening of overly gaudy colors and embroidery.

What fabrics are used? Other materials?

Most clothing within Aveh is woven of wool from the omnipresent sheep and/or goats, as woolen cloth is the ideal material for both insulating against heat, and aiding in retaining it. The fibre may be woven or knit, occasionally felted, and varies from coarse fabrics for outer tents and other mundane requirements to delicate fabrics like soft, thick silks or velvets. Ayarru is an extremely delicate weave, for instance; a robe of this fibre can be drawn through a finger-ring, and is so fine as to resemble silk.

Silk itself is also present within Aveh, but with a few exceptions the silk supplies are imported as raw fibre. In most cases within Aveh, silk is replaced by a linen-like fabric spun from agave fibres.

The other common material for clothing is leather of various grades, from heavy war-leathers to butter-soft suedes used in expensive, fanciful clothing. In most cases leather products are used as accessories, highlights and footwear, but exceptions do occur (generally for trews, jackets, and a patchwork variant on the traditional wrapped tunics).

What forms of jewelry are common?

The jeweler's art is highly regarded amongst the Avik people. Some of the most common forms of jewelry are armlets, wrist and ankle bangles, multiple forms of necklaces, and piercings of various kinds. Multiple ear-piercings are common, closely followed by nipple and navel piercings; septum piercings and labrets are unknown. In the case of ear piercings, the pinnae of the ears are often pierced with large enough holes to support large-bore studs or spools, sometimes an inch or more in diameter. Large, dangling earrings are also popular.

Necklace types include beaded cords, woven chains, amulet-chains resembling Terran charm- chains, and pendants of various types. Multishaped beads are often worked into the hair (especially by females), particularly amongst nomadic clans. Interestingly enough, few Avik wear finger-rings.

A number of semiprecious stones especially quartz stones and the copper family of stones are carved into jewelry elements as well as being used as inlay stones. Metalwork is common, mainly in the creation of delicate beaded and filigree objects. Almost any appealing substance may be (and has been) used in the production of ornaments, including bits of wood, ivory, bone (stained or not), even stiffened leather.

However, the most widely-known Avik jewelcrafts are the work in glass and faience (tjerrnet, "the dazzling"), in particular the cloisonne-work, and free-standing faience molded beads and other jewelry elements.

Does clothing or jewelry have any specific significance?

Certain articles of clothing or jewelry do possess a certain significance, but overall there is no great meaning. Most instances of special significance are found within the colors, patterns and symbols used within the embroidery and cloisonne produced by Avik artisans; most common are clan affiliation, raptor and elemental motifs, and commemoration of individual achievements.

There are a few common charms as well, such as the bane-warding arrowhead and combinations of three spherical beads or emblems; turquoise flanking jasper, symbolizing sky, earth and water, or amber, jasper and turquoise for fire, earth and water.

Also, there are a few articles of clothing used more commonly within ceremony, such as ankle- length fringed sashes and doubled copper or gold armlets.

What other forms of personal ornamentation are prevalent? What are their meanings, if any? How frequent are their usage?

Nearly anything and everything may be used by a curious or inventive Avik in the quest for personal ornamentation; however, there are some practices which are found throughout the Land. Skin-patterning (jhelarra) is very popular with all genders; skilled artisans (ranajhelar) can create intricate, elaborate patterns, with abstract plant-like and geometrical motifs being most popular. Akin to this practice is the usage of cosmetics, though this is most commonly restricted to staining the lips and nails, and (sometimes heavy) eyelining using a substance similar to kohl. Both the 'kohl' (mesderat) and the jhelarra-pigment are created from a mixture of plant saps, ground galena and powdered charcoal. Most other cosmetics are plant- and mineral-based as well.

Tattooing is another frequent form of ornamentation, regarded as a more permanent form of jhelarra. Very much a traditional art, the tattoos are applied with carved bone needles or cactus thorns dipped into the ink. Larger areas of skin are inked with carved combs, sometimes multiple-rowed, tapped into the flesh with a small hammer. Common materials for inks include carbon, ground malachite or azurite, ochres, chalks, and cochineal.

Scarification is a less common practice, found almost exclusively amongst the nomadic clans. Most scarification is produced through slitting the flesh with obsidian instruments and then rubbing the wounds with ash in order to insure a raised pattern.

In almost all cases jhelarra is a purely cosmetic practice; exceptions are generally patterning applied for special occasions such as marriage rituals, and even then beautification is the main goal. Tattooing is used in a similar manner, and also to commemorate important events in an individual's life. Unlike these, scarification is nearly always for a specific, ritualistic purpose, such as the acquisition of an elemental or nature affinity, a vash'ta, and/or the completion of a rite of passage or other major ritual.

What hygienic practices are followed?

Not surprisingly, soap and similar hygienic substances are among the rarer luxuries within Aveh, primarily because of the lack of wood ash for lye. Most cleaning both of body and of clothing is through the use of lesshan (natron, a type of salt), often slightly admixed with a bit of sand. Lesshan can be found in placer mines within certain of the stonelands.

As can be expected, this practice causes and additional drying factor within an already arid environment. Both nomadic and sedentary clans solve this problem with rather luxurious use of different types of oils and ointments. Lanolin (leken-she) is commonly used for sensitive skin and treating extreme dryness; many other sources of oils, such as olive (kek'ri), are also used for cosmetic and sanitary purposes. Cleansing of the mouth and teeth is achieved through rinsing out the mouth with a natron solution.

Avik hair is as prone to drying as skin, and many oils are designed for hair. Many Avik keep their hair braided up out of the way of sand and wind, at least when out-of-doors or expecting bad weather. Braids are frequently decorated with multitudes of beads (as noted above), charms and wraps of leather, sisal or silk.

What are common pastimes amongst the Avik people?

Most activities common amongst the Avik are interactive and highly portable. Physical pastimes include dancing, hunting, and tests of prowess. Commonly, hunters will use bows, slings, or hunting-raptors; on occasion, sand-cats are also trained for the hunt. For larger game the hunters may be mounted on horseback, bearing bows or lances. Firearms, even when available, are seldom used for hunting (as there is little sport in such an action). Physical contests may involved target practice, sprints or other athletic events, or duels. Formal Avik duels for entertainment or for the defense of honor are highly elaborate affairs, with both individuals dressing in their finest and exhibiting their best weapons-dances.

Other forms of dance are practiced by nearly everyone. Avik dances are group-dances for the most part, though pair-dances are not unknown. Avik seldom wear much more than a bit of a slit-skirt ("for modesty") and jewelry when dancing; they are showing off their prowess, not trying to conceal themselves or weight themselves down. Many Avik dances include props or displays of bravado, such as the flickering blades of the sword-wind-flight or the raging bonfire which is ultimately leapt over and through of the fire-dance.

More sedate pastimes include talespinning, musicianship, and a multitude of dice-games and other games of chance, played with delicately carved throw-sticks or tokens of bone. Professional talesingers recount the songs and stories of the clan and Land, but anyone may tell a good story to entertain. Music is always appreciated; the most common instruments are hand- and finger-cymbals, flute ad other woodwinds, rattles, and a plethora of drums ranging from hand- to human-sized. One of the most frequently used instruments is the tambourine, favored for its versatility and portability. Stringed instruments mostly guitar-like, such as lutes or gitterns are known, but are rarer and valued greatly.

Avik also spend time creating small ornaments and other 'pretty' objects; spending time in decorating belongings is a common means to while the time away and have something to show for it afterwards.

What kind of professions are most common? Which are held in the highest regard, if any? Does this vary from clan to clan, or according to lifestyle?

Most Avik have at least basic training in either agriculture (even so simple as the tending of a herb-garden) or husbandry, according to the dominant lifestyle of their clan. Additionally, most have some experience in ornamentation of some kind, mainly to while away time and elaborate on their belongings, if not themselves.

True artisans, however, are those who have devoted themselves to their craft. Amongst the nomads, leatherworkers, embroiderers, spinners, and bone-artisans are most common; within sedentary clans glassmakers, weavers, smiths, and faience-workers are frequent. Carvers of various kinds are well-known amongst both lifestyles.

Hunters are common, and skilled in tracking and desert survival as well as the basics of their trade. Closely allied to the hunters, and sometimes overlapping with them, are the clan-scouts, who are even more valued amongst the settled Avik then the nomads, as they are not constantly patrolling their lands as a unit.

One of the most frequently encountered Avik professions or at least it seems so at times is that of the merchant. From itinerant traders to the shopkeepers of Bledavik, the merchant- peoples are everywhere.

More specialized professions include that of the healer (proficient in herb- and knife-healing, and often possessing complementary Ether abilities as well), the talesingers, and the arrusi-kir who create the oils, ointments and other cosmetics, among others.

Warriors are held in high regard by all, as it is through their efforts that Aveh is kept warded from invasion and that one clan is protected from another, if need be.

All clans possess one or two professions upon which emphasis is placed. This by no means indicates that no others are accepted; rather, that any given clan is generally known for its capable hunters, or its fine produce, or its delicate fabrics, etc.

Of special notes are the practices of horse breeding and raiding. The Avik breed dainty, compact horses much like the Terran Arabian in general conformation, as well as a somewhat larger breed intended for labor. These animals are held in high regard and are amongst the most valued possession one may have. Conversely, hose-raiding is also a respected activity, so long as certain codes of conduct are followed; one does not attack helpless individuals, a surrender must be accepted, and mass destruction is crude and unnecessary, for examples. It is considered a sign of great prowess to be able to make off with one's chosen target be it horseflesh or otherwise without becoming engaged in actual conflict. Unfortunately, these unspoken rules are not always followed by raiding parties.

How do Ether abilities factor into the Avik lifestyle?

In general, Avik make an effort to channel their innate Ether abilities towards their chosen path in life. Those who do not do such a thing generally trust in the ancestors and the esshi'faianau to 'send' them the Ether which will best serve them in life.

Elemental Ether is looked upon as a very good omen, and such abilities are cultivated carefully, particularly those of water and fire. The rare light element-affinity is seen as a sign of favor from the esshi-faianau, especially the paraiu; it was, until recently, most commonly found within the Clan Fatima, which also cultivates all elements. Manifestation of a darkness-element affinity, though extemely rare, has been known to occur; these individuals are watched closely and carefully steered away from any potential for further influence by the vorrke'paraiu.

Avik mentality draws no special attention towards Ether power, with the elementals being the exception; however, the abuse of such power is dealt with quickly and harshly, particularly when used against those who cannot defend against it.

What are the major rites of passage? What do these changes allow, or failure preclude? Do they differ for different genders? If so, how?

While minor rites accompany all milestones within an individual's life, there are three major rituals which must occur: the birth rites, death rite, and rite of passage.

The actual rite of passage is made up of several different required actions and rituals, but none of these can be undertaken until the individual is deemed ready to become an adult. This is sometimes determined by the individual in question, but is most commonly judged by family and clan as well as the prospective adult. Due to the trials involved, the price of failure, and the value placed on responsibility, no Avik will be forced into the passage-rite before they are ready.

In many ways, the first step of the passage is the acknowledgment that one is no longer a child, and the reciprocal acknowledgment that it is time for adult responsibilities. Once this has been achieved, the next steps can begin.

Most Avik begin by breaking in their own horse. While it may sound trivial, this action signifies the willingness to teach and guide, and the assumption of responsibility for another life, one which depends on you (rather than you being the dependant). With some clans mainly those in settled areas another animal, such as a hound, may be substituted.

Those who are already following a chosen profession spend much time afterwards working on their lukes're, an exemplar of their chosen field. Those who have not yet begun such petition a teacher for apprenticeship, and offer an example of their beginning work if possible.

When these are completed to satisfaction, the nisur ("trial") is begun. The adult-to-be gathers together a basic kit, as well as the animal which they have trained, and is sent out into the desert for a three- to six-month span to live on their own and to meditate on their place (or potential place) in the world, their affinities, and any other thing which they find to be of importance. Sometimes they are sent out onto a neighboring clan's territory (with approval), so that they cannot as easily cheat.

When the nisur is over, the individual is returned home to face the assembled adults of the clan. Here they describe what they have learned though they need not detail private moments and reveal whether or not they have acquired a specific vash'ta ("patron", an elemental, ancestor or, more rarely, parai totem of sorts; a guide).

The concluding ritual is held before the entirety of the clan; the subject is purified and blessed with flame and libations, and a token of the childhood now discarded is cast into kerresshi ("water-fire", oil over water and set aflame, used in rites) to signify the passing of that stage in their life. The new adult then declares their new place within the clan, and may take a new name should they desire. If a vash'ta has been found, its mark is scarred or tattooed onto the new adult's person. These rites are identical for all genders.

Should an Avik not take these rites, they are still considered a child, with all that entails. They cannot vote on clan matters, cannot hold property or be employed above the apprentice level, cannot have children (or sexual relations, for that matter), or be placed in any position of authority. They have not accepted responsibility, and therefore cannot assume responsibility. Neither is an adult having a relationship with a child of any age tolerated, unless there are extenuating circumstances (and those had better be good). One can be elderly, and still be considered a child, and such people are generally regarded with disdain for refusal to take on their role in life.

How is Bledavik's meaning as "center of the Land" reflected in the behavior of the nomadic and sedentary clans?

All clans, regardless of lifestyle, will orient themselves towards Bledavik for rituals and such, particularly if said rituals involve the invocation of the paraiu. Additionally, nomadic clans will begin their annual wandering cycle by moving towards Bledavik, unless the lay of the land or environmental quirks dictate otherwise.

Most usage of the cental concept are more practical. As the largest settled community, as well as the royal capital, Bledavik functions as a hub for festivals, trade, and non-traditional learning. It is considered proper to journey to Bledavik at least once in a person's life, but this is as much for practicality and curiosity as for paying homage to Aveh's guardian spirits.

What forms of architecture are common within Aveh?

Most architectural styles within Aveh are designed with an eye to promoting comfort and the maximum allowance for cooling, and avoidance of environmental hazards. Windows are placed high in walls, and are usually tall and narrow to allow breezes in while warding out excess sunlight and sand. Wider windows are generally shielded with gauze, grillwork or (more expensive) tinted glass. Walls are thick, to ward off the heat during the day and to retain it at night. Interior rooms are high-ceilinged; breezeways are common corridors designed to let the wind flow freely through the building. Domed roofs are popular, as are half-floors little more than awnings or light roofing upon the tops of buildings in order to make efficient usage of space. This practice is very common within the larger communities, where tower-houses and stacking of buildings is also a frequent practice. Walkways may lead from building to building over the roofs of others.

Harsh angles are uncommon, and the outside of the cities building structure becomes almost organic in design. Awnings and drapes are frequently pressed into service as sand- and sun- shelter, and a means to extend the porch. Slender columns are sometimes found within larger rooms, or supporting an outer portico. Doorways are sunken as a means of baffling the sand- laden wind.

What materials are commonly used?

Most buildings are constructed of fired med-brick, actual brick, adobe, or sissiran, an technique involving fibrous inner and outer wall-layers with compacted soil, clay or other earth rammed between. Some structures those more important, such as caravanserais and official buildings are instead constructed of the ever-present dun sandstone and limestone. Nearly all such structures, regardless of material, are coasted with a thick wash of plaster, gesso and whitewash.

Roofs are constructed of beams of the fibrous yet strong native woods, overlaid with tiles and then plaster. Tiles are also used on the interior of the buildings, as flooring and occasionally as paneling for walls, and are made of ceramic, red-ware or tjerrnet; columns are usually denser stone, such as quartzite. Doors are generally mortise-and-tenon work with small pieces of wood, reinforced with metal.

What sort of architectural ornamentation is common?

The exteriors of most Avik structures are left relatively plain. A simple coating of gesso and whitewash soon faded tot he same off-dun as the desert is generally considered to be sufficient, as the wind and sand tend to scour away most elaboration within a relatively short time. Some may ornament their eaves with ceramic or tjerrnet finials; this is uncommon where the buildings are crowded. Doorways are often carved and stained, and windows are barred with delicate, ornamental grillwork in floral, geometrical and knotwork designs.

On the interior, decoration is much more prevalent. Walls are again whitewashed and often overpainted; both solid colors and patterning are common. Preferred color schemes include deep, rich colors such as crimson, gold, and lapis, earth tones, and faded "desert-colors" such as rose, paler blues, various shades of dun and ivory, and turquoise. Any tiling present is of contrasting colors.

Interior doors, especially within households, are frequently woven of beadwork or patterned fabrics rather than carved of wood, which is too heavy and blocks off breezeways.

Furniture is light for the most part, with pillar-tables, low chairs, and a tendency towards chests and cabinets instead of dressers and wardrobes. Beds usually have a woven, wickerwork support instead of a heavy mattress, though coverlets are ample and popular. Cushions are often scattered liberally throughout the household.

The most distinctive decorations within Avik buildings are the justly-famous tapestries and woven carpets. These are woven of richly-colored wool and feature detailed, stylized patterns of traditional make, or occasionally specific scenes from tale or history. In some buildings and homes almost all available wallspace is hung with these tapestries.

Is there any form of 'portable architecture'? If so, what kind?

Not surprisingly, the nomadic clans avoid most stationary forms of architecture as well as bulky items of furniture. Most clans travel light, erecting octagonal family tents constructed of multiple layers of light, tightly-woven wool and leather. An additional tent is generally erected, larger than the others, for communal activities. These tents are left plain on the outer surface, but on the interior are as highly ornamented as any tapestry.

Furniture consists of cushions also highly embroidered rugs and long pallets of folded blankets which are used for sleeping-pads. Small, ornate chests are used for storage, as are elaborately-tooled saddlebags. Saddles are often used as seats (or backrests, if the taller variety) within the tents. Awnings extend from the entrance of the tents in order for outside work to be performed without being completely exposed to the elements.

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