Zavákans

Zavákic: Zozavák /zɔːzaːvauk^h/
Tválaric: Tátavák /t^hauːt^haːvauk^h/

The zavákans¹ are a Vevúni tribe inhabiting the kingdom of Tválara on the central Gnákan Savanna, along with the ruling Tválarans. They are nomadic hunters and fishermen, whom the tválarans allow to travel and hunt freely within the country so long as the zavákans send a portion of the meat, fish, skins and ivory they acquire to the capital of Töneretembask as tribute. In addition, they are allowed to venture south beyond Tválara to hunt for amebelodons and -more rarely- deinotheres for ivory when the animals are scarce within the country, though during such journeys they are at risk of being attacked by members of neighbouring vevúni tribes.

Culture

Apparel

Traditional zavákan clothing consists mostly of wrap-around loincloths and cloaks made from antilope skins, usually dyed black and adorned with beads carve the bones of both land animals and fish. Red and white face- and body paint is common and each clan has its own distinct style. The hair is usually tied into multiple ponytails, which again differ between clans, though it's common for women to have fewer and larger ones than the men. The ponytails are tied using red strings made from hair or plant fibers, while children wear red headbands instead.

Cuisine

Zavákan cusine consists mostly of smoked or dried meat and fish, along with peanuts traded from the tválarans and whatever nuts and roots they can find. Only a couple of clans use pottery to make stews from fresh or smoked meat, while most prefer roasting their food. Various herbs collected on their travels to make tea and medicine, which are placed into special bags that double as dolls for girls.
Zavákans are notable for using poisoned arrows while hunting.

¹Original icelandic: Zavákar, singular: Zavákur.

Parent ethnicities