Imine Modo (/iˈmine ˈmodo/)
An Imine Modo (Lüota: faith shell) is the symbol of a Püroki’s supreme authority within a given halfling tribe. It is a seashell horn—a conch—which is given to a newly elected Püroki as a symbol of the tribe’s belief is his, her, or their leadership.
In keeping with Promise Law, only an empty shell may be harvested for use as an Imine Modo.
How It Works
According to Wikipedia, which is never wrong, the “natural conical bore” of these sea snail shells is what enables them to make music. That, plus a halfling blowing on the end of it.
By manipulating the lips, teeth, and tongue, one can produce several different notes with any given shell. These will vary slightly from one instrument to another, of course, depending on shape, size, and other factors.
How It Became Important
During the Earth-665 iteration of reality, the nomadic halflings spent more time at sea than they did on land. As a result, they needed a loud and clear communication device to send messages from one ship to another. Conch shells—Imine Modo—were their instrument of choice.
Because finding an empty shell was sometimes difficult, and because the halflings were strict in their adherence to Promise Law, conches were a prized possession. Only senior wayfinders handled them, and one only became the senior wayfinder—the Püroki—by uncontested acclamation.
Often, a single Imine Modo was passed down from generation to generation. But on rare occasions, when a deceased Püroki was especially beloved, it was sent with them to the depths. On those occasions, a new Imine Modo was fashioned for the new Püroki.
Oh, this is so beautiful.
Thank you! I love the halflings of my world and I can't believe it's taken me this long (a few years) to really flesh out these more ancient aspects of their culture.