Ak'lam culture in the Bind

The Ak'lam culture has largely been erased over time, especially for those who lived as slaves under Wolgos rule. What remains of their cultural identity is a fragmented mix of their original traditions, reactionary elements developed in response to Wolgos oppression, and even some adopted Wolgos aesthetics. The Wolgos saw the Ak'lam and their culture as insignificant, severely restricting their cultural and personal expression. This environment, designed to be restrictive, stifled cultural development and hindered the transmission of Ak'lam traditions.

Enslaved Ak'lam

For the enslaved Ak'lam, cultural expression was nearly impossible. Their languages, which never had a writing system, were not documented by the Wolgos, who also prevented the Ak'lam from developing one. As a result, there were no written records or publications in Ak'lam languages. Most enslaved Ak'lam were forced to learn a rudimentary form of Wolgos to communicate, often under the threat of violence. Communication was primarily non-verbal or conducted through explicit, simplistic pictorial signs created by the Wolgos to direct or inform the Ak'lam.

Artistic and musical expressions were nearly eradicated among the enslaved Ak'lam, as any form of cultural expression was dangerous. What little music existed was purely vocal, consisting of humming or traditional folk songs passed down through generations. Those born into slavery often learned about their culture and vocal traditions from older Ak'lam, as their upbringing in breeding farms was marked by severe social deprivation and harsh discipline designed to break their spirits and render them compliant. This process bore a resemblance to the historical decimation of the Elkoesr culture, and it was feared that the Ak'lam might similarly become culturally hollow over time.

Wild Ak'lam

In the territories newly conquered by the Bind Empire, beyond the older Nuss region and the former puppet Ak'lam republics, there were groups of Ak'lam referred to as "wild." While these groups were still under the control of the Bind and often monitored by Meal Troopers, they experienced relatively more freedom than their enslaved counterparts. These "wild" Ak'lam, although constantly harassed and subjected to random raids by the Wolgos, maintained a degree of cultural expression in their villages.

The villages of the wild Ak'lam were typically composed of simple huts made from mud and straw, designed to be easily rebuilt following raids. These huts were often painted with natural pigments like ochre and soot, featuring geometric patterns and simple drawings. Unlike many other cultures, the wild Ak'lam did not accumulate possessions. They preferred to keep only what was essential or held special meaning. They often scavenged around Wolgos settlements and rubbish pits for metal and useful objects, hiding or burying important items such as blankets and pots some distance away from their villages to prevent theft during raids or harvest collections.

Life Cycle

Birth and Childhood

The life cycle of the Ak'lam, whether enslaved or free, was marked by rituals starting from birth. However, many details about these customs have been lost or altered due to the oppressive rule of the Wolgos.

Coming of Age

Coming-of-age ceremonies, a significant cultural practice among the Ak'lam, were heavily suppressed for those enslaved. However, among the wild Ak'lam, these rites continued to some extent, usually involving tasks or trials that signified a young person’s readiness to take on adult responsibilities.

Adulthood

Adulthood for the Ak'lam, particularly among the wild groups, involved subsistence farming, crafting, and striving to maintain their autonomy despite Wolgos oversight. For the enslaved Ak'lam, adulthood was defined by continued servitude with little personal agency.

Old Age

Old age was not well documented among the Ak'lam due to the harsh conditions they endured. Few Ak'lam lived to old age under Wolgos rule, and those who did were often unable to participate fully in cultural activities due to physical or mental exhaustion.

Naming Conventions

The naming conventions of the Ak'lam were not extensively recorded, but it is likely that names held significant cultural meaning, particularly among the wild Ak'lam who fought to preserve their traditions.

Lifestyle

Homes

As mentioned, the wild Ak'lam constructed simple, easily rebuilt huts from mud and straw, decorated with natural pigments. These homes reflected their need for mobility and resilience in the face of frequent Wolgos raids.

Clothing

Clothing among the Ak'lam varied between enslaved and wild populations. The enslaved typically wore plain, utilitarian garments provided by their Wolgos overseers, while the wild Ak'lam had slightly more freedom to create garments reflecting their cultural heritage.

Cuisine

The diet of the Ak'lam was based primarily on what they could cultivate or forage. Enslaved Ak'lam were given minimal rations dictated by the Wolgos, while wild Ak'lam had a more varied diet, though still limited by their harsh living conditions and frequent raids.

Beliefs and Festivals

Festivals

Festivals, once a vibrant part of Ak'lam culture, became nearly non-existent among the enslaved due to severe restrictions on gatherings and cultural expression. Among the wild Ak'lam, some festivals may have persisted in secret, though always under the threat of disruption by the Wolgos.

Arts

Literature and Music

There was virtually no written literature among the Ak'lam due to the lack of a writing system and the suppression of their languages. However, a strong vocal tradition persisted, particularly among the wild Ak'lam, where it served as a means of cultural preservation and resistance.

Visual Arts

Visual arts were minimal among the enslaved Ak'lam, but some wild groups continued traditional painting and carving, often in hidden or protected areas to avoid destruction by the Wolgos.