Ek'suul (ECK-SOOL)

An ek'suul -- in Luk'Eishar, loosely translated as 'long cover' -- is a special band of fabric used to wrap the body of the departed in the Rites of Leaving used by Shepherds of Leaving. It is used in a single unbroken ribbon.
The ribbon is dyed violet by individuals blessed for the task in the nearest body of 'holy' water -- in other words, nearest an Ega Root, such as the Kor Well -- and then painted with the repeated Shepherd mantra of "There is no death that is not life, no life that is not death. We are one.” in white. 
Wrapping takes place after the body has been washed, dried, and anointed with hetul'n'gosh.  The body is wrapped with the script facing outward, beginning at the left ankle and traveling up the left side of the body, and then crossed to the right and moving down; the preparers chant the same mantra as they work. The head, hands, and feet are left unwrapped, and limbs are wrapped individually rather than together or against the trunk. Once done, the body is then clothed in a simple white plaincloth, long-sleeved robe that reaches to the ankles.
Although the ribbon serves the practical purpose of retaining the anointing oils on the skin until cremation, primarily it represents the concept of one's earthly vessel being 'clothed' in the message of the script.

History

During the early days of the Long Wake, a universal shortage of both cloth, dye, and dyers meant that more frequently than not, bodies were not wrapped using the ek'suul.

Significance

Ritualistic

Item type

Religious / Ritualistic

Owning Organization

House of Leavings

Rarity

Common

Dimensions

8"W

Raw materials & Components

Plaincloth, dye, ink