Taxótans
Ynamok: Taxótám /taksouthauːm/
The taxótans1 are various tribes native to the Talax Mountains in northeastern Túlmikkía, some of which are subjects of the empire of Ænadó.
When Enans came from distant Emlas across the sea to the west and established colonies along the coast, many of the lowland taxótans made alliances with the different colonies, fighting off hostile tribes in exchange for goods, and adopted more sedentary lifestyle. This continued after the fall of the enan mother cities and subsequent wars between the colonies until the founding of Ænadó, after which the lowland -and later on the north- and central highland- tribes became subjects of the new empire.
Some taxótans settled down in southern Laxilþía across the sea to the northwest as the Ænateans established their own colonies there, though their descendants have since been absorbed into rexan culture after the region was conquered by the empire of Resak.
Traditionally, most tribes practice matrilocal residence, as in men are expected to live with their wife's family, and a taxótan's status within their tribe is inherited through their mother. The leader of each tribe is usually a man, though woman chiefs are not unusual.
Tattoos and body-paint are common, characterized by zigzag or wavy patterns, though ænatean styles are common among lowland taxótans.
Long hair, either braided or divided using small, golden or carved bone rings, is popular among men and women alike, and men often sport long beards.
The taxótans1 are various tribes native to the Talax Mountains in northeastern Túlmikkía, some of which are subjects of the empire of Ænadó.
History
Taxótans were originally the dominant culture in northeastern Túlmikkía, both in the mountains and along the coast, subsisting mostly on hunting, fishing and gathering along with limited agriculture, focused on peanuts, tomatoes and pineapples and -along the Júmsa River- raising pigeons for food.When Enans came from distant Emlas across the sea to the west and established colonies along the coast, many of the lowland taxótans made alliances with the different colonies, fighting off hostile tribes in exchange for goods, and adopted more sedentary lifestyle. This continued after the fall of the enan mother cities and subsequent wars between the colonies until the founding of Ænadó, after which the lowland -and later on the north- and central highland- tribes became subjects of the new empire.
Some taxótans settled down in southern Laxilþía across the sea to the northwest as the Ænateans established their own colonies there, though their descendants have since been absorbed into rexan culture after the region was conquered by the empire of Resak.
Society
Most taxótans outside Ænadó either live in tents or domed shelters made of wooden frame covered in reed- or bark mats (similar to our world's wigwams), with the former being more common among hunter-gatherers and the latter among farmers.Traditionally, most tribes practice matrilocal residence, as in men are expected to live with their wife's family, and a taxótan's status within their tribe is inherited through their mother. The leader of each tribe is usually a man, though woman chiefs are not unusual.
Taxótani reed-mat shelter by Lappalingur
Culture
Apparel
Traditional taxótan clothing consists of simple loincloths for men, particularly warriors, and wide, sleeveless, unbelted tunics for women, though men sometimes wear similar though shorter tunics as well, all of which are preferably dyed red. Originally made from animal skins or pineapple fibers, wool has become the material of choice. Bracelets and anklets made from shells, bone or glass beads are common.Tattoos and body-paint are common, characterized by zigzag or wavy patterns, though ænatean styles are common among lowland taxótans.
Long hair, either braided or divided using small, golden or carved bone rings, is popular among men and women alike, and men often sport long beards.
Art
Enans taught taxótans how to make rugs and tapestries, which are now highly sought after by ænateans for their intricate geometric designs, similar to the ones adorning traditional baskets.
Taxótani pattern by Lappalingur
Cuisine
Originally based on wild game such as Mountain Tapirs, antelopes and hares, hunted with the aid of talacean hunting dogs2, along with peanuts, tomatoes and various fruits, taxótan cuisine is now heavily influenced by ænateans with the introduction of maize (which was known to but rarely grown by them), guinea pigs and mutton. Certain taxótan tribes also raise pigeons and rails for food.Religion
Taxótans worship a mixed pantheon of local deities and ancestral spirits along with enan/ænatean gods and goddesses. Rituals are performed by one or more shamans, often at specific time of day or night and include dancing and chanting while wearing masks. Traditionally, taxótans don't erect altars or statues of their gods, instead representing them via temporary sandpaintings using colourful seeds, pollen or minerals.
Taxótani sand painting by Lappalingur
Funerary practices
Burial is the norm among taxótans, with a number of ceremonies performed to ensure the soul reaches the afterlife and thus joins the ranks of benevolent ancestral spirits, as restless spirits are considered extremely dangerous by taxótans. In Ænadó, taxótan warriors in particular are laid to rest in cone-shaped tombs, while others are buried in simple, shallow graves.
Taxótani tomb by Lappalingur
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