Awawatu

Awawatu
Ethnic group
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Total population
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Regions with significant populations
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Related ethnic groups
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Situated amidst the vast savannah plains of Tzerakan and influenced by the arid deserts to the west and the lush subtropical river plains to the east, the Awawatu people possess a unique cultural identity that resonates with the diverse landscapes they've inhabited.

Origins

Emerging from the golden grasslands of the Tzerakan plains in central Tzeraka, the Awawatu people represent an intricate blend of history and tradition. Scholars posit that their lineage diverged from the Baloma people, a community that originally thrived in the more arid northwest regions of Tzeraka. The Awawatu have, over generations, adapted to the diverse topographical challenges of their environment, with the savannah shaping their lifestyle, the desert instilling resilience, and the river plains nurturing their resourcefulness.

History

While the annals of history offer limited documentation about the Awawatu, the available accounts paint a picture of a tribe deeply entrenched in its traditions. Predominantly tribal and existing in a pre-agrarian society, the Awawatu's way of life is emblematic of their connection to the earth. Their culture, largely untouched by external influences, tells tales of ancestral wisdom, vibrant dances under the vast savannah skies, and the rhythmic beats of their traditional drums echoing the heartbeat of the Tzerakan plains.

Religion

The Awawatu people, despite their shared ancestry and cultural tapestry, have been touched by the winds of diverse religious currents. Predominantly, they are split between two major religious doctrines: the pantheistic Naskel and the monotheistic Orkanan.

Naskel: Embracing Nature's Spirits

The Naskel faith is deeply rooted in the concept of pantheism, with the omnipresence of nine revered spirits representing various facets of life and nature. Each spirit embodies different elements and principles, guiding the Naskel adherents in every step of their lives, from mundane routines to critical decisions. With nature viewed as a mirror to the divine, the Awawatu who follow Naskel demonstrate immense respect for the environment.

As they believe that souls, upon passing, align with one of the nine spirits, remembering and celebrating ancestors forms a critical aspect of their religious practice. The tombs and burial sites are often visited to maintain a connection with the departed, ensuring their blessings and protection.

Naskel festivals breathe life into Awawatu communities, with vivacious celebrations highlighting their unity and the profound respect they harbor for the nine spirits. Their settlements are often adorned with sacred symbols, representing each spirit, fostering a milieu of reverence.

Orkanan: The Omnipotent Vind

While Naskel finds its roots in multiple deities, Orkanan's core is the unwavering belief in a singular, omnipotent deity - Vind. This monotheistic faith, echoing the potent force of Wind, portrays Vind as a deity that courses through every facet of nature.

The Awawatu adherents of Orkanan, in their quest to connect with Vind, have evolved to treasure the act of creation. Every artistic endeavor, be it a painting capturing the essence of the savannah or a song evoking the flow of the river plains, is an avenue to resonate with their deity's creative force. This aspiration doesn't stop at arts; even in areas of innovation and craftsmanship, the Orkanan followers seek enlightenment, channeling Vind's omnipotence.

Ethnic Relations

The rich tapestry of the Awawatu's history is further woven with threads of interactions with other groups. Their first known contact with the Anarians, as recorded by Corinthas, sheds light on the Tzarakian roots of slavery. His accounts reveal that various forms of slavery journeyed from Tzeraka to Anaria. The Awawatu, while primarily peaceful, have had their moments of conflict. They've been historically involved in tribal skirmishes, sometimes capturing and trading members of neighboring tribes to the Byrizi peoples of the eastern coast. Such interactions, while marred by conflict, also facilitated cultural exchanges.