Köstat Baths
Kivan people typically build their homes off the ground, up in the branches of the huge Paavauhäs trees. The space below isn't empty, though. Without looking up to see the houses, a foreign traveller arriving in a Kivan village might be confused and think Kivans live in tiny floating igloos, but these are just the steam baths.
"Köstat" actually translates as "bath", and in the Kivan language they're just called that. The Forest of Stars, the Kivan homeland, is swampy and most of the dry land is take up by the roots of the mighty Paavauhäs trees. Kivan homes are built in the boughs of the trees, with the baths built below. Several poorer families share one bath, but the wealthier families have their own.
"Köstat" actually translates as "bath", and in the Kivan language they're just called that. The Forest of Stars, the Kivan homeland, is swampy and most of the dry land is take up by the roots of the mighty Paavauhäs trees. Kivan homes are built in the boughs of the trees, with the baths built below. Several poorer families share one bath, but the wealthier families have their own.
Construction
The köstats are built on platforms in the swamp. Stone blocks are cut to create four pillars set into the mud that emerge about a foot out of the water. Then, a wooden platform is built upon these supports. The platform is typically about 8' x 8'.
Upon these platforms, the actual bath is built from bricks made of mud from the swamp bed. They are constructed like an igloo, with a circle of bricks getting progressively closer together to form a dome, with a small opening about the size for a grown man to crawl through. Both the interior and exterior are then covered with a layer of soft clay to make the surface smooth. The exterior is usually painted with colourful designs - neighbours can get quite competitive with the art on their köstat!
Inside, a mud-brick furnace is constructed against one of the walls. It comes in the shape of a cube, about 2' x 2', with an iron door on the front. A chimney to vent smoke sticks out through the wall of the köstat. The other important feature is the small trapdoor built into the wooden platform. When in use, a fire is built in the furnace to warm up the köstat. Then, bathers dip long-handled cups into the water below the bath and splash it on the top and sides of the furnace to produce steam. In the winter, holes are drilled in the ice for this purpose.
The entrance to the bath can either be left open, or covered with a small wooden door. Doors have rope handles and are moved into place rather than swinging on hinged.
Upon these platforms, the actual bath is built from bricks made of mud from the swamp bed. They are constructed like an igloo, with a circle of bricks getting progressively closer together to form a dome, with a small opening about the size for a grown man to crawl through. Both the interior and exterior are then covered with a layer of soft clay to make the surface smooth. The exterior is usually painted with colourful designs - neighbours can get quite competitive with the art on their köstat!
Inside, a mud-brick furnace is constructed against one of the walls. It comes in the shape of a cube, about 2' x 2', with an iron door on the front. A chimney to vent smoke sticks out through the wall of the köstat. The other important feature is the small trapdoor built into the wooden platform. When in use, a fire is built in the furnace to warm up the köstat. Then, bathers dip long-handled cups into the water below the bath and splash it on the top and sides of the furnace to produce steam. In the winter, holes are drilled in the ice for this purpose.
The entrance to the bath can either be left open, or covered with a small wooden door. Doors have rope handles and are moved into place rather than swinging on hinged.
Practices
Bathing in a köstat is an important ritual in Kivan hygiene. Many people wash themselves in the baths once a day, or at least once every few days. The The steam and sweat is thought to purify the body better than simply scrubbing with water. The warm, dark, moist space is associated with the womb and sitting in one allegedly has restorative powers. Weak or sickly people are often taken to a köstat to rest and gain strength.
Köstats feature prominently in childbirth. Due to their restorative powers, women in labour are frequently taken to a köstat to give birth. This has a double purpose. Not only does the steam bath give a woman strength to help her in labour, but the womb-like environment of the bath is less of a shock to a newborn upon birth and helps give them the strength to take their first cries.
A less ritualistic use for köstats is as a fishing hut. In the winter, many people go ice-fishing within the köstat. They light a fire to keep warm while sitting for hours waiting for fish, but do not add water to create steam.
Köstats feature prominently in childbirth. Due to their restorative powers, women in labour are frequently taken to a köstat to give birth. This has a double purpose. Not only does the steam bath give a woman strength to help her in labour, but the womb-like environment of the bath is less of a shock to a newborn upon birth and helps give them the strength to take their first cries.
A less ritualistic use for köstats is as a fishing hut. In the winter, many people go ice-fishing within the köstat. They light a fire to keep warm while sitting for hours waiting for fish, but do not add water to create steam.
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Dress Code
Bathers are expected to be nude. Men and women bath together; nudity is not an issue. Clothing is discarded once inside the köstat and left folded neatly by the entrance. In winter, they wait until the room has warmed up to disrobe.
When using the köstat as a fishing hut, fishers usually remain dressed, though it gets quite warm inside so they often take off their outerwear. Midwives also remain dressed when tending to a labouring woman, due to frequently going in and out.
When using the köstat as a fishing hut, fishers usually remain dressed, though it gets quite warm inside so they often take off their outerwear. Midwives also remain dressed when tending to a labouring woman, due to frequently going in and out.
