Velair Dolls (Veh-leer)

Velair nuts are found all over tropical and temperate Siv'ia. Because of this, they are readily available to both Faeriean Elves and Valdesan Elves. The velair nut is central to an ancient elvish tradition, versions of which can be found in both modern cultures.

Historical Roots

Velair nuts have been used for decoration in Valdesa for thousands of millennia. The first recorded instances of them in the shape of dolls comes from Northern Valdesa, where they were said to be offerings to the winter goddess. The idea was the goddess would take the doll instead of the life of a family member.

Other cultures adopted similar traditions, with dolls to take the place of a family member in the case of a natural disaster, rough season, famine, or even just to ward off death itself.

Faerian Tradition

The Faerian Tradition seems to stick closer to the original roots: the dolls are meant to take the place of a family member's soul if death or evil should come for them. The dolls are carved when a baby is born, and a new one is made every year or so to ensure they are still protected. 
The structure is slightly different from Valdesan dolls. First of all, the Faerian elves are using the husks of domesticated Velair nuts. These husks are thinner and larger than their wild counter parts. Secondly, as Velair nuts are frequently eaten as a food crop in Faerie, it is much easier to get your hands on a large number of husks. This leads to the Faerian dolls being much larger, and made from several husks instead of one.
Another difference comes in with the decoration and display of the dolls. Faerian dolls are assigned to a specific person, and their appearance is altered to convey this. They are also hung from the roof outside the door of the dwelling, or from the ceiling just inside.

Valdesan Tradition

The Valseasan Tradition views the dolls as a way to ward off bad luck more than any malicious presence or gods. They are still connected to gods in many areas though. Unlike in Faerie, the Velair nuts in Valdesa are wild. This means they have smaller, thicker husks and are also less readily available. As such, Valdesan dolls are much smaller and only made with one shell.
The utility of Valdesan dolls is also different. Singling out one family member for a doll is seen as asking luck or the gods to come after them. Instead, dolls are carved with more general features, and are more likely to be carved at a carving festival. These festivals often take place before historically dangerous times of year. In the north, the festival takes place in the fall in preparation for winter. On the coast, it often takes place just before hurricane season. In central Valdesa, it usually takes place before the rainy season to help ward off rots.
The dolls are typically set up in the windows of a house. Their thicker structure allows them to stand on their own. Family members who are traveling often carry several dolls on their person to protect them.