Fnóans
The fnóans1 are a number of tribes native to the Fnós Islands off the coast of southern Þonnanó in southwestern Emlas. Although they've only recently established regular contact with the outside world, some of these tribes have long been known for their intricate jewelry and statuettes carved out of jade, while others are feared as ferocious head-hunters.
Hair is usually worn long but with different styles of braids and knots for men and women. A common custom among all tribes is to adorn the hair with one or more bones, from a bird's wing bones or skull to an entire snake skeleton, depending on the person's status.
Jade, copper and bone jewelry is commonly worn by men and women alike, along with flower wreaths- and garlands.
Deer, fish and crabs are the main source of meat along with pigs.
Traditionally, spears tipped with jade are favoured, along with clubs and axes. The only defense is usually a small shield and, in some case, a kind of short apron made from animal hides or multiple layers of cotton, both of which are elaborately decorated with colourful dyes, feathers or pieces of jade.
Culture
Apparel
Fnóan clothing resembles the kind worn by Vósali, consisting mostly of loincloths of some sort for men, and skirts and cloaks for women, variously made of hides, imported cotton cloth or other local plant fibers. Most men avoid covering their upper body in order to show off their -often elaborate- tattoos on their chest, back and arms, while women's tattoos are usually restricted to their face and arms. Elders are an exception, who usually wear tunics or large cloaks to keep themselves warm.Hair is usually worn long but with different styles of braids and knots for men and women. A common custom among all tribes is to adorn the hair with one or more bones, from a bird's wing bones or skull to an entire snake skeleton, depending on the person's status.
Jade, copper and bone jewelry is commonly worn by men and women alike, along with flower wreaths- and garlands.
Art
Architecture
Fnóan architecture is characterized by the use of wood, palm-leaf screens- and roofs, though the exact dimensions and decorations vary from one island to another. Most permanent structures are built on stilts to avoid vermin, and are usually accessed via rope-ladders. Vósali influence is notable on Enei-e, the largest island, where some buildings feature wooden walls and pillars carved to imitate basalt columns used on the mainland.Cuisine
Agriculture is practice to some extend by all fnóans, with arrowroots being the most important crops along with tubers, coconuts, betel nuts and, on the largest islands, waterlilies and spices introduced from Imkala through the vósali. Most of these crops are grown on terraces carved into hill- and mountain sides.Deer, fish and crabs are the main source of meat along with pigs.
Religion
Ancestor worship is an important part of fnóan religion, and a common feature throughout the whole archipelago. The exact means of worship vary, but they often feature dancing, instrumental music (singing is usually considered profane) and offerings of food, flowers or animals to idols made from wood or, more commonly, jade.Warfare
Certain fnóan tribes have long been known as fearsome head-hunters, not unlike the North Hótics on the other side of the world, who raid other tribes and preserve the heads of their slain enemies to gain prestige and keep the ancestral spirits satisfied. A successful raid is usually celebrated by a feast and a dance where each warrior displays his trophy, after which the head is hanged above the entrance to his home.Traditionally, spears tipped with jade are favoured, along with clubs and axes. The only defense is usually a small shield and, in some case, a kind of short apron made from animal hides or multiple layers of cotton, both of which are elaborately decorated with colourful dyes, feathers or pieces of jade.
1Original icelandic: Fnóar, singular: Fnói.
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