Nimabuye

Soul Dolls

Overview

Soul Dolls, or Nimabuye, are items that a spirit is said to inhabit. These can range from lockets to dolls, to umbrellas, to keepsakes, to even swords. The most common items infused with spirits or said to be infused with them are childhood dolls and amulets; people tend not to infuse weapons due to the fear that they could gain negative energy while things like dolls are chosen because it is believed that the loving energy kids give them more power and desire to protect.

Usage and History

People have imbued items with spirits for as long as spirits have inhabited the mortal plane. In the Alsivai and Koisha cultures, Nimabuye are given to royal babies which are said to be imbued with the souls of ancestors. It is said that when worn, Nimabuye can be used as a way to ward off evil spirits or protect the user.
As an example, It is said that an assassin went to kill the legendary hero Iemari an Ilsuren, but was foiled when his arrow mysteriously shattered upon hitting the body of the hero, a thing which many blamed on the small doll he wore on his belt. This event furthered the idea that Nimabuye were real things that could be used to protect people.

Prevalence

The usage of Nimabuye was originally found among the Kuntira ancient culture, and the descended Koisha, Ancient Ischarri, and Alsivai cultures. The usage of these items was found in other Niranni cultures to a lesser extent but contact with the Ingharans caused it to spread west and it was soon adopted throughout Soranna and Ischurrai, although in Soranna they tend to prefer things like amulets. Overall, it is an important part of culture for these peoples.