Ahaninas (Ah-hone-ee-nahs)

The Ahaninas is the collective term for the nomadic tribes that live in the Ahan Desert, although outsiders refer to them as Ahani. Additionally, those who are Ahaninas by birth, but not culture, usually use the name Ahani.

Ahani Tribes:

• Kipaqr
• Juasha
• Wezar
• Petan
• Monar
• Chamil
• Dorutan
• Jusilia
• Nyoban
• Toar

A Note On Names:

In each Ahani tribe, a name can only be used by one person at a time. This prevents confusion. For example, once a girl in the Kipaqr Tribe is named Rikta, no other Kipaqr Ahani can be named Rikta until she dies. However, when someone is born, they are given the name of the person of the same gender that died the most recently.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Bantar, Rikta, Tikmeh, Astepar, Honsa, Nahaz, Raya, Milreh, Merivid, Amaugol

Masculine names

Paduya, Naovous, Outbas, Khetsoul, Remad, Anzad, Ugadi, Benran, Katsan, Sesam

Family names

The Ahani don't use traditional family names. Instead, they simply use the name of their tribe.

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

The main language of the Ahaninas is Janratuap, although every tribe has their own unique dialect.

Common Dress code

The Ahaninas wear loose clothing, including robes, flowing dresses, wrapped shirts, and loose pants. They often pair these with a wide variety of scarves, belts, and jewelry.

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

Ahani Skin Staining:

The Ahani are known for their intricate tattoos, made through a technique of painting a magical ink on their skin. The colors of the ink sink into the skin, staining it permanently. The shapes and colors each have an important meaning in Ahani culture, although there are variations based on tribe. Additionally, all tribes have their own symbol, which most members have stained onto their body somewhere.

Color Symbolism:

Although some tribes may interpret different colors in another way, there are certain meanings that are common to the Ahani.

• Red is usually a symbol of strength, battle, death, and war.
• Orange often represents fire, warmth, the sun, and the god Athai.
• Yellow represents the desert, safety, home, and the goddess Ahani.
• Green is often a symbol of hiding, oases, imprisonment, and the goddess Saila.
• Turquoise usually represents fun, chance, differences, and the god Taifo.
• Blue generally symbolizes water, life, destruction, and chaos.
• Purple is usually a representation of secrecy, lies, bad luck, and curses.
• Pink tends to represent magic, good luck, tricks, and creativity.
• White symbolizes demons, cold, fear, and the Frost Demon.
• Black is a symbol of night, shadows, calm, and peace.

Shape Symbolism:

Many shapes have a meaning to the Ahani, although specific tribes may have their own interpretation.

• Straight lines symbolize hunting and fighting.
• Curved lines represent paths and travel.
• Triangles are symbols of defense and protection.
• Diamonds are representations of power and authority. Generally, only the chief and their family can wear diamonds, although family members have an "X" in the center.
• "X" shapes usually symbolize family and connections. People who marry into a new tribe connect their two tribe symbols with an "X".
• Rectangles usually represent the desert and the Ahani. Almost all Ahani have these stained into their skin.
• Squares often symbolize the home and caretaking.
• Circles often represent luck and Taifo, the God of Chance. People with the Trickster's Gift usually wear circular skin stains.
• "V" shapes generally symbolize fire and Athai, the God of the Sun.
• Ovals generally represent freedom and Ahani, the Goddess of the Desert.
• Hexagons tend to symbolize knowledge and Saila, the Goddess of Oases.

Diverged ethnicities

• Pothagen Ahani

Related Organizations

• Jarnanil
• Kipaqr

Languages spoken

• Janratuap

Related Locations

• Ahan Desert