Chek-tuk (CHECK-tuck)

A chek-tuk is a small metal brazier suspended on three chains carried by all Kivan tribes, used solely in the traditional welcoming of visitors -- Kivan or otherwise -- to their camp.
While the newcomer waits a suitable distance from the perimeter of the camp, the Head Tribesman or a designated stand-in presses a burning ember from the camp's fire onto a tack in the bottom of the chek-tuk and brings it with them to exchange greetings; if the newcomer is welcomed, they hand the chek-tuk to the newcomer and escort them back to the fire, whereupon the newcomer must pluck out the ember -- ideally bare-handed -- and toss it back in the fire. The chek-tuk can then be put away.

Significance

Traditional, somewhat important

Item type

Religious / Ritualistic

Related ethnicities

• Chgai
• Egihg
• Icha
• Onshecaat

Owning Organization

Kiva

Rarity

Common

Dimensions

Brazier: 3-4" diameter, chains: 1-2' length

Raw materials & Components

Metal, usually muqa but occasionally more expensive metals or blends.