Hajak
The Hajaks are a nomadic people living mainly in the Norkwest Tundra. In their language, the word hajak means "people".
They are divided into several tribes, which occasionally clash for control of the territory where they graze their reindeer.
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
Although peculiar expressions are used within the tribes, the nomadic life and frequent exchanges mean that the Hajak language is common to the entire people. The language bears no resemblance to any other language of men, but has adopted some words from the language of the giants.
Shared customary codes and values
Most Hajaks share the same values and religious system. Although they recognise the power of all the gods, most of them favour Halmak, god of hunting and snowstorms. The Hajaks are also known to worship the spirits of their ancestors and certain creatures that have special bonds with the natural world, such as powerful feys.
Common Dress code
During the cold months, the Hajaks keep warm with clothes made of skins and furs. They wear multiple layers of clothing and often wrap their shoes in different materials to insulate their feet from the icy ground.
Trousers and skirts are worn equally by both men and women.
In summer they are more inclined to reveal their bodies. In particular, it is not uncommon to see men fighting or hunting shirtless, as a test of courage. Women normally cover their breasts but leave arms and belly uncovered if the weather is warm enough.
The Hajaks like to adorn themselves with jewellery that they make themselves or exchange with other peoples. Their favourite materials are those of animal origin, such as bones or teeth, and some individuals go so far as to wear bone masks.
Art & Architecture
Being nomads, the Hajaks leave no significant architectural evidence. They move around with sledges or wagons and establish camps by erecting tents of skins supported by branches and bones. Their art focuses mainly on carving wood, bone and occasionally rock. They are also skilled and ingenious skin workers.
Foods & Cuisine
The basis of the Hajak diet is reindeer meat, fish, berries, and game.
Birth & Baptismal Rites
Childbirth is the responsibility of women. Men are not allowed during the event.
At the moment of birth, a name is immediately given to the newborn child as the Hajaks believe that dying without a name prevents souls from entering the realms of the gods.
Although parents may celebrate the birth of a child, the tribe always waits until the child has survived a winter before welcoming him or her. This happens during a big celebration held at the first full moon after the end of Pemmond (the third month of the year).
Coming of Age Rites
The transition to adulthood occurs on different occasions for males and females.
Girls become women at their first menstrual cycle; from then on they can marry.
For boys, the process is more complex and requires recognition by the tribal elders. This can be achieved in several ways, but the most common one is admission and participation in successful hunts.
Funerary and Memorial customs
The Hajaks have different ways of celebrating funeral rites. The one they prefer is burial in a sacred place they call Norjard. Sometimes they may boil the body to retrieve the bones, which they then transport with them until their next visit to Norjard.
In exceptional cases, if the place cannot be reached but the terrain permits, they bury the dead person where they are or, if wood is available, they build a funeral pyre. This is due to the fact that Hajaks are afraid animals or other creatures of the tundra might dig up the bodies. They believe that this disturbs the repose of the dead, who will come back to haunt the living for not taking proper care of them.
Related Locations