Waumini
The Waumini are a Ginen ethnic group based in and around Sikel City. Original members were from the Founding Clans, as well as others who shared similar belief systems. They named themselves the Waumini as a statement for the belief they held in the Phasma. These ethnic groups descended from West and Central African Countries, including (but not limited to): Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon, Gambon, Republic of Congo, Angola, DRC and Burundi. During the Black Migration, Black persons from the Americas, the Caribbean, and Europe settled in the Waumini town. The settlement that grew was later renamed Sikel City.
Naming Traditions
Official names include a first and last name with the last name being inherited from the mother. Some spouses choose to adopt the other's name in order to avoid confusion. Totem Clan Names are inherited through the father's line. Although last names may indicate some reference to their Earthen ancestors, first names are a large smorgasbord of names from African, French, American-English, and Caribbean language groups.Totem Name Clans
Clans are a common way of organizing extended familial groups in Sikel City. Each clan has a Phasma spirit connected with it; clan elders create fetishes which are passed down through the patrilineal line and placed on family alters. Members are also known to get tattoos of iconography representing their Totem Clan as a way to showcase familial loyalty. The four most well-known Totem Names are the Founding Clans. As such, their symbols of: Rooster, Leopard, Bat, and White Ram are the most well-known. People with even the barest thread of connection to these clans will get a tattoo representing said clan in hopes of currying favor. As other people immigrated to the area, they also took on Totem Names, representative of a spirit which adopted them upon arrival. Often believed to be a "coming-home party," many people of the African Diaspora felt as if the Phasma were helping them discover their lost ancestry line. Not all people who originally joined these newer clans were related; however, it is illegal to marry somebody within your same totem clan Although Sikel City has open borders, a person isn't considered a citizen until they are part of a Totem Clan. People are able to join a clan through marriage. Children from such unions are the only time Totem Names pass through the matrilineal line. As a result, families often encourage their daughters to marry outsiders. Adult adoption is also common for travelers who feel an affinity with the Waumini. There are occasions when people are banished from their Totem Name Clan; such people are considered second-class citizens.Religious Beliefs and Symbolism
The largest religious group of the Waumini is Vodu; contrary to its familiar name, it is actually a syncretism of various Vodun and Yoruba traditions--and their offshoots--from across the world. Adherents are known to wear colors and carry symbols that represent loa (spirits also known as Phasma) that they honor most. Such as wear clothing in browns and golds as a follower of Agassou or having jewelry fashioned in the shape of a crab or leopard. However, it is customary to wear all white during ritual ceremonies. Many people also practice a syncretized form of protestant Christianity, feeling justified including traditional elements of religion with the appearance of Phasma that take the shape of spirits. It is easy to spot Christians from the cross they wear around their neck, often adorned with small jewels which carry trace amounts of Phasma energy for protection. Although many followers of Odinani emigrated away or died off after the destruction of Demoush a Myel, there is still a sizable amount of practitioners in the area. Many who do practice this religion feel a special affinity to bees, in honor of Chidera, who they value as a prophet.Use and Color of Gemstones
Throughout Phasmatum, there are multi-colored stones that have the ability to store energy from Phasma. They provide power to humans without the immediate need for a Phasma. Gemstones from around Sikel City are known to come in two primary colors -- white and purple. Purple gemstones can store and emit more energy for their size. It is believed that one of the gates to Guinee must be nearby, as the color for Ghede is purple. White gemstones store less power, but they have the ability to store multiple types of energy inside. The color of white gemstones change according to the energy inside. People often wear the gemstones as both a fashion statement and a way to warn trouble-makers that they are able to defend themselves.The Snake
Throughout all the Waumini people. the snake is regarded as the most venerated animal. They believe that it symbolizes reincarnation through the shedding of its skin. And that the Snake was there at the creation of this universe and allowed humans to reincarnate into a new life on Phasmatum. The Snake is able to stretch out and provide a connection between the planes -- so that they can communicate with ancestors -- as well as to the forgotten Earth, where Waumini people believe their brothers and sisters survived and will one day follow the star-scales to join them once more.Beauty Ideals
Some common trends on beauty include: dark skin, natural hair, strong legs, and healthy body.Height is admirable across all genders and wide hips are preferred in women. Currently long hair that groups out, not down is popular. As well as elaborate styles of locs and braids. Those in higher classes will often spend an entire day--with multiple people tending to their hair--creating outrageous styles of braids and twists. Bright colors and perfectly mismatched patterns is a common motif in fashion. Most clothing is made locally; mass produced clothing is frowned upon not only in Sikel City, but throughout Phasmatum. There are many younger folks--often upper-class--known as DandiPunks, who are known for especially outrageous clothing styles and brightly-colored hair choices.Gender Ideals
As a law, every gender is treated equally. Government discrimination is illegal. However, this isn't always true in practice. Despite the fact that persons from across the gender spectrum are able to join the official military ranks; there are unofficial secret society warriors that bar women from joining. This spurred the development of an all-female warrior society that trains women in the art of Vodu and War.Relationship Ideals
Monogamous marriage is common in Sikel City, although polyandry is not illegal. The most likely time a person takes a second spouse is when a woman's husband dies and his brother marries her. This is done both to take care of the widow and to also ensure that any offspring stay within the same clan.
Related Organizations
Languages spoken
Related Locations
Comments