Tamawei

"Contentment rides on the waves."

— Tamawei proverb

The Tamawei are a human group that live primarily in the Broken Isles off the northeastern coast of Kedizlim.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Moi, Haunani, Kalina, Atuata, Kilikia, Huhana, Naui

Masculine names

Kekoa, Mako, Ragia, Kapu, Ioku, Remu, Kalinu, Kapono

Family names

Tamawei do not use family names.

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

The Tamawei have their own language known as Tama, which is spoken as a native language by most ethnic Tamawei within the Broken Isles. In recent decades, the republic has implemented harsher restrictions on the language in an effort to increase assimilation into the dominant Chol culture. As a result, many children in the larger population centers of the Isles grow up speaking Cholish and often forgo learning Tama altogether.

Shared customary codes and values

The cultural values of the Tamawei rest in the Oanga; the five predominant values that are said to be the pillars of Tamawei society.

1. Taungi: Power/Strength. Strength in body, character, and spirit is said to be the chief virtue of the Tamawei people.
2. Uanga: Community/Family. The Tamawei value loyalty to one's friends, family, tribe, and to humanity as a whole.
3. Urita: Stewardship/Guardianship. The Tamawei believe themselves the guardians and stewards of their possessions and of the world around them.
4. Kahua: Rememberance. The Tamawei place a great deal of significance on their history and heritage.
5. Ruakah: Reverence. The reverence of the nature spirits. Since the Chol colonization and introduction of U-wa-ne, this aspect has been co-opted to fit with observance of U-wa-ne tenants.

Average technological level

The Tamawei are largely integrated into the Republic of Cholate and as such have access to their technological innovations, such as oceangoing vessels, Dark Powder, and other such inventions.

Common Taboos

Touching a Tamawei's braids is considered strongly offensive. Only family and very close friends are permitted to do so and never in public.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

The Tamawei value 'rugged' looks in comparrison to their Chol cousins. Men and women alike sport full heads of hair and men wear full beards. Hair is often braided into 5 long bands, said to represent their commitment to the Oanga, the five cultural cornerstones of Tamawei society. Women are also known to decorate their faces with tattoos that extenuate their eyes and mouths.

by Jordo_707

A sketch of a Tamawei youth sporting skull markings and the five signature braids.

Parent ethnicities

• Lumarai

Related Locations

• Broken Isles