Quick Facts
Government - Democratic federation
Religion - Hilau
Ethnicity - Jikiga
Pinterest board - Cinder Isle
Earth biological equivalent - Trinidad
Cinder Isle, known to the natives as Jiki'iganu (island of fire) is a small island nation off the coast of south Kessix. It is known for its volcanoes and lush landscape. The symbol of Cinder Isle is a red flower with five leaves.
Cinder Isle is a federation of five tribes living around the island. Once every ten years, or during an emergency, the tribes meet at Huije, the capitol, to choose a leader and make decisions. To elect a leader, each tribe holds a personal vote, where they vote for one of their tribe members. Then, the five chosen people must face a series of tests to prove themselves in the eyes of the gods. Whoever is chosen to be the monarch lives in Huije and assumes control of the island, and oftentimes the four others will assist the monarch. There are five tribes on the Cinder Isle: The Jui'ike live on the northern point of the island, known for their weaving and cloth-making and are represented by Iulana. The Hilana live in the northeast, known for their pottery and food and are represented by Jiiri. The Alamu live in the southeastern cove, and are known for their cusine, and are represented by Heli. The Kiluri live on the southwestern point, and are known for their boat-making and fishing and are represented by Akabe. The Ikele live in the northwest, and are the center of trade and home of the monarch and are represented by Queen Kiela
The cycle of the rulers is how they record time. Once every ten years, a monarch is crowned after a series of trials involving physical and mental challenges. During the middle of the reign, there is a large feast, celebration, and prayer for good fortune. People recount how many cycles they have seen, and some also record history by which cycle it happened in.
The style of Cinder Isle is built to withstand the weather, consisting of large houses with saddled roofs and raised floors, with a shaded pavilion below. These houses can hold many people, sometimes holding as many as 30 people at once., but usually they hold around ten. These houses are often carved in geometric designs featuring marine animals and water symbols. Houses are clustered in groups of three to five, and those clusters are spaced throughout the village. Most villages have about five clusters, spread around the landscape. The largest villages have around fifteen clusters.
Jikiga clothing is simple and bright. All people wear simple grass skirts that reach down to the knees and are often dyed in striped patterns. More decorated clothing shows that the person wearing it is experienced, beloved or wise. Some choose to wear cloth belts embellished with shells and beads, while others wear dyed legbands and wristbands. When traveling, the people wear split-toed shoes, but most go barefoot around their village. Religious leaders, advisors, and monarchs wear wooden face masks when out in public, often carved into the likeness of a spirit. During festivals, these masks can be extremely elaborate, often taking the form of birds, foxes, and marine animals.
Art on the Cinder Isle is heavy with beadwork and featherwork, utilizing the numerous shells and birds found around the island. Most clothing incorporates some form of geometric beadwork.
People from Cinder Isle/Jiki'iganu are known as Jikiga, which translates to islander in the native language. The main population is Ahuatl. Most Jikiga are followers of Hilau, a polytheistic religion that focuses on the balance between fire and water.