Eiviki
The Eiviki are Fenniko deeply connected to agriculture and irrigation, with two main variants: the Jasdpo Eiviki and the Malnarr Eiviki. Both variants share a strong respect for nature and a communal way of life, but their cultural practices diverge based on their environments. The Jasdpo Eiviki, with brown hair and white-tipped tails, are masters of fieldwork, living in Remboro and focusing on the cycles of planting and harvest. Their art and attire reflect their connection to the land, with earth tones and rice symbolism featured prominently. The Malnarr Eiviki, with blonde hair and brown-tipped tails, live in He Qiang and are known for their mastery of irrigation systems. Their culture revolves around water management, with flowing water motifs present in their art, and they share a symbiotic relationship with the Freron tribe. Architecturally, both groups favor bamboo stilt houses with thatched roofs, but their dress codes differ, inspired by Japanese and Chinese farming attire, reflecting their distinct cultural identities.
Culture
Culture and cultural heritage
Agricultural Legacy: The Eiviki are keepers of ancient farming traditions, with a long history of developing irrigation systems and cultivating the land, which they pass down through generations. Their culture revolves around seasonal rhythms and the cycle of planting and harvest.
Cultural Links to Jasdpo: Their roots in Jasdpo may influence their sense of identity, preserving customs from their homeland while adapting to Malnarr’s distinct climate and environment.
Shared customary codes and values
Respect for Nature: Given their mastery of irrigation and role in agriculture, the Eiviki likely hold a deep respect for the land and water. It's probable that they view themselves as stewards of the earth, placing great emphasis on harmony with the environment and sustainable farming practices.
Cooperation and Community: Their relationship with the Freron tribe showcases the importance of cooperation and interdependence. The Eiviki likely value collaborative efforts over individualistic achievements, seeing farming as a communal task where everyone must contribute.
Perseverance and Humility: As they are a tribe that has faced discrimination and hardship, values such as endurance, resilience, and humility are likely ingrained in their culture.
Common Etiquette rules
Greetings through Touch: Like other Fenniko tribes, the Eiviki might have a tradition of greeting through physical touch, such as lightly brushing each other's tails or exchanging hand touches, symbolizing trust and friendship.
Respect for Elders and Earth Spirits: Elders, seen as keepers of tradition and wisdom, are likely addressed with special terms of respect, and rituals or offerings to earth and water spirits might be common before any large agricultural endeavor.
Common Dress code
Functional and Earth-Toned Clothing: The Eiviki likely wear simple, functional clothing suited to farm life. These garments would be crafted from natural materials, such as linen, cotton, or bamboo, reflecting their closeness to the earth.
Straw Hats and Woven Clothing: Given the emphasis on agriculture and their skills in straw weaving, their attire may include woven hats, baskets, or cloaks designed to protect them from the elements
Jaspdo
Materials & Fabric: The Eiviki in Jasdpo, being masters of fieldwork, likely wear light, breathable fabrics like cotton or hemp, ideal for the varied climates of Remboro. These fabrics are both sturdy and comfortable, allowing freedom of movement while working the fields. Design: Their attire is influenced by traditional Japanese farm clothing, with long tunics or kimono-style wraps that cover the body but allow for movement. The garments are often tied with a simple sash or obi around the waist, keeping them secure while working in the fields. Sleeves may be wide but are often tied back or shortened when working. Straw Hats: Large woven straw hats (inspired by sugegasa) are worn to protect them from the sun, essential for long hours in the fields. These hats are cone-shaped and lightweight, allowing ventilation while keeping the face and neck shaded. Layering: During colder seasons, haori (short coats) or hanten (padded jackets) are worn over their clothing, providing warmth while still allowing flexibility for work. These outer layers are often in muted earth tones to reflect their connection to the land. Footwear:Traditional waraji (straw sandals) or geta (wooden clogs) are used for comfort while walking through wet or muddy fields. The footwear is designed to provide grip and durability, fitting well with their farming lifestyle. Patterns & Symbols: Though primarily practical, their clothing may include subtle patterns that reflect their relationship with nature. Symbols of rice, earth, and plants might be embroidered or printed on their sashes or outerwear, representing their deep connection to agriculture. Tail Wraps: The white-tipped tails of the Jasdpo Eiviki might be lightly wrapped in decorative cloth or left free to flow, with the wrapping serving both as protection and a symbolic marker of tribal affiliation.Malnarr
Materials & Fabric: The Malnarr Eiviki, being masters of irrigation, would wear silk-cotton blends or linen, which are light and water-resistant, ideal for managing irrigation systems in the wet, terrace-laden fields of He Qiang. The fabrics are designed to dry quickly and resist the moisture they work around daily. Design: Their clothing is inspired by traditional Chinese farming attire, with high-collared tunics and pants designed for easy movement. These tunics are often closed with frog buttons or ties, giving the outfit a simple yet elegant structure, suited for both working and participating in communal events. Wide-Brimmed Straw Hats: Similar to the douli or Chinese coolie hats, the wide-brimmed hats protect the Eiviki from the sun and rain, crucial for working in the terraced fields. The hats are tied under the chin or left loose for easy removal when they need to dip their heads under irrigation channels. Flowing Pants: Their pants are wide and flowing, allowing them to easily wade into water channels without becoming constricted. These are paired with cloth shoes or reed sandals, designed to maintain grip even in muddy or wet environments. Layered Robes: In cooler weather, they layer with robes, often secured by belts or sashes, reflecting traditional Chinese farming outerwear. The layers are practical for warmth but also feature decorative elements, such as simple embroidery of waves, rivers, or plants, which symbolize their mastery of water management. Patterns & Colors: The Malnarr Eiviki may favor blue or green tones in their clothing, representing water and fertility. Embroidered patterns might depict flowing rivers or mountain ranges, honoring their connection to both the water and the land they irrigate. Tail Adornments: The brown-tipped tails of the Malnarr Eiviki might be adorned with silk ribbons or metallic threads, symbolizing their role as both caretakers of the fields and artisans of irrigation. The way their tails are wrapped or decorated could signal their role or status within the tribe.Art & Architecture
Stilted Bamboo Structures: Raised on stilts to avoid flooding and provide stability, these homes are designed to blend into the natural environment.
Thatch Roofing: Roofs are made of woven grass or reed, which are easily sourced and replaced as necessary. The thatch keeps the homes cool in the summer and insulated in the winter.
Open and Communal Spaces: Both variants value communal living, so houses often include large, open gathering areas, where families and friends can meet. These spaces are used for festivals, storytelling, and rituals.
Jaspdo
Depictions of Fields and Seasons: Much of their art represents the changing seasons, the growth cycles of crops, and the harvest. Rice terraces, sunrises over fields, and the blooming of flowers are common motifs in wall hangings or murals that adorn their homes. Earth Tones: The Jasdpo favor earth tones in their art, with browns, greens, and yellows dominating their color palette, symbolizing their connection to the soil. Natural dyes are used to create these colors, sourced from plants and minerals found in their environment. Embroidered Clothing: Traditional embroidery on clothing or linens is common, using symbols of rice, grains, and animals that assist in farming, such as birds or insects. These decorative elements serve to honor the earth spirits and ensure fertility. Pottery & Clay Sculptures: The Jasdpo create pottery and clay sculptures that feature scenes of planting and harvesting. These sculptures often depict farmers at work, the first rains of the season, or the tools they use in their fields. Many of these sculptures are also ritualistic, used in fertility rites or seasonal ceremonies. Rice Art: During festivals, the Jasdpo create elaborate designs using colored grains of rice, forming patterns that symbolize the cycle of life, the earth, and abundance. These ephemeral artworks are made in public squares or at the entry to homes and washed away with the rains, representing the temporary nature of life and the continual renewal of the land.Malnarr
Flowing Water and Rivers: The art of the Malnarr Eiviki centers around water, particularly in its movement through their irrigation systems. Wave patterns, river flows, and waterfalls are frequently depicted in murals, carvings, and tapestries. These designs emphasize harmony and the flow of life. Blue and Aqua Tones: Their color palette is dominated by blues, greens, and silvers, representing water, the sky, and the moon. These colors are often accented with white, symbolizing the purity of water, and gold, which might represent the blessings of the water spirits. Silk and Textile Art: The Malnarr Eiviki often work with silk and other delicate materials to create flowing tapestries that mimic the movement of water. These textiles are embroidered with images of fish, rivers, and lotus flowers, symbolizing prosperity and peace. Water Art Installations: The Malnarr are also known for creating small-scale water art installations near their homes or in communal areas. These might include flowing water features that mimic the irrigation systems, with water flowing over carved stones or into bamboo pipes that produce soft, musical sounds. These installations serve as a constant reminder of their mastery over water and the importance of maintaining balance in their lives.Foods & Cuisine
Rice and Vegetables: As rice is a symbolic crop of the Eiviki, their cuisine is centered on rice dishes. Vegetables, herbs, and fruits grown in their fields would complement their meals, along with fish from nearby rivers.
Malnarr
Rice Wine and Simple Staples: Given their relationship with the Freron, they might also partake in rice wine, but their own cuisine might be less luxurious than that of the Freron, reflecting a simple, sustainable diet focused on survival and nourishment.Common Customs, traditions and rituals
Seasonal Festivals: The Eiviki would likely celebrate seasonal festivals tied to the planting and harvest cycles. These events would include offerings to earth and water spirits, dances, and communal feasts.
Malnarr
Water Rituals: Given their irrigation mastery, water may hold a special place in their rituals. There could be blessings of the rivers or cleansing rites at the start of each farming season.Birth & Baptismal Rites
Jaspdo
Rite of the First Seed: This remains a newborn’s introduction to the tribe, where a seed is planted to grow alongside the child, symbolizing their future role in the tribe. However, this rite is more about initiating them into the tribe rather than a transition to maturity.Malnarr
Rite of Water’s Touch: Still performed at birth, but more about initiating the child into the cooperative dynamic between Eiviki and Freron tribes. The water used in this ceremony binds the child to their role in maintaining the irrigation systems, which they will grow into.Coming of Age Rites
Jaspdo
Harvest Ceremony in Adolescence:This rite would likely occur closer to 50-60 years old when they are considered mature enough to work independently. Successfully managing the crops, including planting, nurturing, and harvesting, marks the transition from childhood to adolescence.Malnarr
Water Mastery Trial in Adolescence (around 40-50 Ysanaf years): Adolescence begins at this later stage, where young Eiviki must demonstrate their knowledge of irrigation techniques and manage a small section of water flow for a season. They will also begin participating in communal harvests, showing their readiness to contribute to both planting and harvesting processes. Harvesting and Trade Responsibilities: The cooperative relationship with the Freron tribe may mean that young Eiviki around this age are tasked with overseeing the exchange between their tribe and the Freron, ensuring balance and fairness in the division of labor between planting and harvesting.Funerary and Memorial customs
Jaspdo
Field Burial with Generational Trees: The trees or plants that are grown over the graves of the deceased continue to symbolize their legacy. A family tree, where multiple generations are buried beneath the same type of plant, may become a central part of the tribal landscape, showing the continued influence of ancestors on the living.Malnarr
River of Souls: The Eiviki Malnarr believe that when a person dies, their spirit flows back to the Spirits' Crown Mountains, from where the rivers that sustain them originate. To honor this, they create a small river stone monument for the deceased, carved with their name and set near the irrigation channels, symbolizing the return of their spirit to the water. Given their lifespan, the stones marking graves near the irrigation channels could be passed down through generations, with each stone gaining new markings or inscriptions from descendants who continue the deceased’s work. These stones serve as long-term monuments in the irrigation systems, symbolizing that each life contributes to the continued flow of water and survival of the tribe. Return to the Source: Water plays a vital role in funerals. As the body is returned to the earth, water from the irrigation system is sprinkled over the grave, ensuring the connection between the deceased and the flowing life they once managed. After burial, the tribe performs a watering ritual, where they ensure that the deceased’s grave stays nourished for a full season, tying their legacy to the continued health of the fields.Common Taboos
- Wasting Water.
- Disrespecting the Land.
- Insulting or Disrespecting Elders.
- Touching Another's Tail Without Permission.
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