Talepikik
"If you haven't spent a year here, you cannot begin to understand my people. The winter is long and it is cold. Your skin can freeze in only minutes. The spring is short and little grows here. Life is harsh for my people. But once you view the rugged landscape, the snow, the animals, when you have your juranilik, you will want to stay here. The land gets into you and draws you back." -Words of a talepikik
Culture
Common Dress code
The talepikik wear layers of warm clothes to survive the cold weather. They have special accessories for ceremonies. In the spring it isn't unusual for the talepikik to wear only one layer.
Art & Architecture
Homes are often temporary and built of snow but tents of animal hide are also used.
Birth & Baptismal Rites
When a baby is born it is traditional for the village elder to say a few words to protect the baby from sickness and danger.
Coming of Age Rites
Talepikik children are sent in pairs to survive outside of the village for several cycles and are considered adults upon returning. The pairs are made of a boy and a girl who are expected to start a family together.
Funerary and Memorial customs
Bodies are burned and the remaining bones split among family members. After holding these bones for one year they throw them over the edge of the island. This year is known as the kiljuiru or year of mourning.
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
Long hair is a sign of health and longevity. A strong body is considered beautiful on all talepikik.
Gender Ideals
The talepikik have three genders in their society. The men who are expected to be strong and effective hunters. The women who are expected to be builders, cooks, and child-bearers. Then the hoorendil who are the spiritual leaders. The hoorendil possess the traits of both men and women and are well respected.
Relationship Ideals
Relationships between talepikik are between one man and one woman. If either passes away they cannot be joined to another until after their kiljuiru has ended. Hoorendil are not allowed to be joined.
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