Cacique (ka-CHEEK)

A cacique is the title given to the chieftains of the Tanigua and Siroken tribes of the Carneman islands.

Requirements

Caciques inherit their position through a matrilineal system of inheritance, depending upon their mother's noble lineage, and must be a member of the sabanigua, the noble class of the Carneman islanders. A cacique, male or female, is usually succeeded by the eldest child of their eldest sister. Among the Siroken, a cacique is often also required to have proven themselves as a warrior before being nominated to the position of cacique.

Responsibilities

The cacique is responsible for almost all decisions relating to the welfare and prosperity of their cacicazo, their chiefdom, whether that consists of a small handful of villages or a larger coalition of settlements. Caciques pass judgements on matters of law, make decisions to ensure their people are fed and sheltered, hold audiences with representatives from other cacicazos, and lead their people in times of war and crisis.

Benefits

Caciques are afforded the privilege of living in larger, rectangular huts instead of the typical round huts in which most islanders live. During communal events and ceremonies, while other islanders are seated on the floor or upon woven rugs, the cacique is seated higher upon a wooden stool, raising their status and demonstrating that their word is final.

Accoutrements & Equipment

A cacique is entitled to wear a piece of ceremonial jewellery called a cobo, a medallion made from a rare alloy known as ash gold which the Carneman Islanders believe to be a sacred material tied to the supreme deities Elatabe and Boyomanka. The cobo is a symbol of the cacique's authority, granted to them by the gods. Most caciques also wear large crowns or headdresses adorned with rare and expensive materials such as gold, precious stones and colourful feathers.

Grounds for Removal/Dismissal

Should a cacique abuse their authority, or prove to be found unfit or unhealthy enough to continue to lead their people, the noble class can decide to strip the current cacique of their title, but a significant majority of the nobility must support the decision. If the cacique has no direct successor, then the sabanigua will convene and vote upon a nominated candidate to fill the position.

Type

Royalty, Hereditary

Form of Address

Cacique

Equates to

Chieftan, king or queen (or in some instances prince or princess)

Source of Authority

The gods

Length of Term

Life