The Amazonian society stands as a matriarchal and assertive race, where fearless women take on the mantle of formidable warriors, while men are relegated to roles of subservience, almost akin to slavery, and are sadly perceived as insignificant. Within the Black Kingdom, the Amazonian culture emerges as a striking contrast, primarily revolving around female orientation and influence, setting it apart from others in the region.
The Amazons are a tall dark skinned race with black, kinky hair. The women are known to be 183.6 cm - 190.8 cm tall as the men are much shorter being only 172.8 cm - 180 cm tall.
The attire of the Amazons is fashioned from various materials such as cloth, fur, and leather, much like the clothing found in the Black Kingdoms. Particularly notable is their distinct use of red leather, a rare dye considered sacred among the Amazons. Leather garments often feature fringes and intricate patterns stamped onto them, showcasing animal pictures, meanders, and spirals. Cloth, on the other hand, is typically adorned with embroidery and dyed in colors like black, red, yellow, or indigo, although they may employ other hues when available. Leopard skins are a popular choice for Amazonian clothing.
During periods of peace or when not engaged in warfare or raids, Amazons residing in savannas and veldts prefer cloth tunics accompanied by knee-high boots. These boots are crafted from either cloth or leather and equipped with sturdy leather or wooden soles. In contrast, the rainforest-dwelling Amazons, when not involved in combat, opt for a more minimalistic approach, wearing only an embroidered panel to cover their groin or a short kilt fastened around their hips, depending on their wealth and status. The more affluent or higher-ranking Amazons may don kilts or panels made from animal fur.
In addition to their clothing, the Amazons also embrace various adornments, such as tattoos, cosmetics, and jewelry. Intricate henna designs grace their fingers and toes, while Stygian kohl is artfully applied to their eyelids. Decorative patterns using red, yellow, or white paint often adorn their cheeks and foreheads. Earrings, bracelets, anklets, and necklaces are the most commonly worn jewelry, with headdresses crafted from fur, feathers, and gemstones also being favored accessories.
Among the Amazons, an assortment of hair styles can be observed. The warrior-women residing in the savannas commonly don dreadlocks, while those inhabiting the jungles opt for kinky hair fashioned into a bush or cropped close to the scalp. It is strictly forbidden for slaves to don any form of clothing; they are not granted this privilege. Only those who are free have the right to wear clothing.
At the core of Amazon culture lies a singular mission: the training of warriors dedicated to safeguarding the villages and cities comprising the Amazonian Queendom. From the moment Amazon girls come into this world, every aspect of their upbringing, including songs, dances, and games, revolves around honing the physical and mental abilities required to excel as formidable warriors. The society is known for its intense competitiveness, bordering on fervor, especially during inter-village competitions where teams or individuals vie fiercely for their respective communities' honor.
Amazons have a deep passion for wrestling and even organize elaborate festivals dedicated to this sport.
The Amazons' reputation for dancing is widely recognized, as they possess a dance for nearly every conceivable occasion.
Amazons predominantly wield bronze weapons, with a particular affinity for short swords, scimitars, and battle-axes. Interestingly, they hold symbolic beliefs about these weapons in relation to gender roles. Swords, perceived as masculine symbols, are wielded with their non-dominant hand (usually the left), while axes, seen as emblematic of femininity, are proudly carried in their dominant hand (typically the right). Among the various battle axes, the labrys holds a special significance as it represents female empowerment, and it is the preferred choice for many Amazons.
A unique custom shared by all Amazons, regardless of their rank, is the ceremonial greeting and farewell called "The Circle" or Mduara. During this ritual, women face each other and place their right hand on the other's left shoulder, forming a symbolic circle between them. This gesture can also be extended to a larger group, where each woman places her right hand on the left shoulder of the next woman, creating a grand circle. The Mduara signifies the profound sense of completeness and belonging that each Amazon experiences when surrounded by her fellow sisters, villages, and the larger community as a whole.
In Amazonian society, a well-defined hierarchy bestows distinct roles and privileges upon its members.
IMUSA
At the pinnacle of this structure stand the revered imusa, esteemed as the upper echelon of elite warriors and nobles. They bear the weighty responsibility of overseeing crucial aspects such as defense, raiding, and trade, their leadership pivotal in shaping the Amazonian Queendom.
Distinguished by their opulent attire, the imusa exude an aura of grandeur, for they possess superior access to coveted treasures like diamonds, gold, and exquisite pelts, symbolizing their elevated status and commanding presence.
IMBAD
Directly beneath the imusa rest the imbad, entrusted with the vital role of herders and vassal warriors. As loyal vassals to the imusa, they are bestowed with the responsibility of tending to the herds of livestock, ensuring sustenance and stability within the community.
INHAEDIN
Further down the hierarchy are the inhaedin, the accomplished crafters and skilled smiths of the Amazonian realm. Renowned for their artistry and craftsmanship, the ìnhædin contribute to the thriving culture by creating intricate pieces that reflect the unique essence of the Amazonian people.
MEN: Amidst this social structure, the role of men assumes a significant position, serving as the backbone of basic labor and childcare provision. Engaging in essential tasks that sustain daily life, the men of the Amazonian society contribute to the community's well-being and growth.
SLAVES
Nestled at the base of the social ladder are the slaves, individuals subjected to servitude, their plight a poignant reminder of the complexities inherent in the Amazonian civilization. While the society may be stratified, it is not without compassion, as even those occupying the lowest rung are accorded a place within this intricate fabric, treated with a measure of humanity and respect.
Through this meticulously constructed hierarchy, the Amazons foster a sense of unity and structure, each tier contributing to the overall harmony and prosperity of their remarkable civilization.
In the Amazonian territories, small subsistence gardens are carefully tended, cultivating grain and vegetables near the villages. However, due to the jungles' propensity for flooding, agricultural activities in those regions remain limited. Orchards, on the other hand, provide a diverse array of hazelnuts, almonds, apricots, dates, and figs, which are either consumed locally or traded with others.
The Amazonian lands boast a rich variety of valuable resources. Cinnamon, rosemary, myrtle, coriander, and select peppers are among the natural treasures found there. The trade in cloth from the southern regions is particularly lucrative for the Amazonians. Additionally, there exists a thriving trade with Stygia, primarily centered around Stygian amulets, and Amazon also engages in the trade of slaves with Ghanatas, Kush, and Stygia.
Myrtle, skillfully utilized by the Amazons, is transformed into an intriguing perfume that enjoys significant trade in regions like Zimbabwei, Stygia, Turan, Iranistan, and Vendhya. Nevertheless, the most coveted commodities from the Amazonian lands are diamonds and gold, extracted with great care from mines and other sources, which the Amazons keep as closely guarded secrets.
The Amazons stand out for their unique spiritual approach, characterized by the notable absence of a rigid cosmology or fixed theology. Instead, their religious practices center around engaging in various sacred events, ceremonies, and myths, each contributing to their spiritual tapestry without being bound by specific theologies.
What sets the Amazons apart is their remarkable receptivity to new myths, mirroring the open-mindedness of Aquilonians who readily embrace stories shared by their friends. Rather than seeking strict coherence in their religious experiences and myths, the Amazons embrace a dynamic and ever-evolving belief system, allowing their spirituality to evolve and adapt with the passage of time.
Within this harmonious framework, the Amazons foster a culture of inclusivity, where differing perspectives find acceptance without the fear of being labeled as religious heretics. This ethos encourages a profound sense of unity, as each individual's spiritual journey is regarded with equal respect and value, promoting a society where diverse beliefs can coexist harmoniously.
Mdetis
The Amazonian goddess, Mdetis, is depicted as a beautifully shaped female head with wild hair, fangs, and an out-hanging tongue to convey both beauty and fierceness. She symbolizes the mysteries of female genitalia, wisdom, and cruelty. Her gaze can be deadly, and seeing her face foretells one's own death. Mdetis is portrayed with wings to command the heavens and these wings are also used as fins to bring life to water. She appears as a war goddess with a horse-like body, excelling in archery and consuming the blood of men. As a death goddess, she rides in a solar chariot during the day and a boat through the underworld at night, turning people to stone with her gaze. Mdetis commands the beasts of the Earth and is depicted with a lion's body in this aspect. She also possesses healing powers, represented by a cobra's body or a snake belt. As a fertility goddess, she has a fish tail, symbolizing unborn souls. Mdetis has alchemical abilities to prevent pregnancy and can see the future death of anyone she gazes upon. Her blood is potent, with the right side causing harm and the left side able to heal and revive the dead. Depending on her aspect, she bestows blood to her warriors for strength in battle or offers healing blood to those in need. Mdetis resides on a sacred island, concealed by willows, and only the bravest are allowed to visit her home. Her body is adorned with fish-scales, and snakes often surround her, offering ancient advice.
Animism & Ancestor veneration:
In the intricate tapestry of Amazonian belief systems, a profound reverence for their ancestors holds a central place. The Amazons firmly believe in the enduring influence of their forebears, acknowledging their presence in the spirit world, where all things are believed to possess their own ethereal essences. It is within the realms of animism that the roots of Amazon religion firmly take hold.
Yet, in the harmonious diversity that characterizes Amazonian society, there exists a remarkable openness to differing perspectives and beliefs. Those who might question or even deny these traditional tenets are not swiftly branded as rebels or subject to chastisement. On the contrary, their viewpoints are treated with the same respect and acceptance as any others, fostering an atmosphere of inclusivity and mutual understanding.
Within the Amazonian ethos, one finds a profound respect for individual thought and autonomy, allowing room for diverse spiritual expressions to coexist peacefully. This enduring spirit of acceptance and openness has been a cornerstone of Amazonian culture, fostering a sense of unity and harmony amongst its people, while allowing them to forge a deep connection with their ancestral past and the mystical world that surrounds them.
If a player chooses to portray a female character, it is recommended to embody her as a fearless individual, embracing her dominant nature over males. These female characters are envisioned as skilled hunters and warriors, embodying their roles to the fullest extent. Considering their origin from warmer climates like the savannah or jungles, it would not align with their lore for Amazons to dwell in the highlands or further north.
In the realm of supernaturals, it is advised to maintain an air of mystery, particularly for those found within the exiled lands, as they may not be widely known or prevalent in the black kingdoms, adding an element of intrigue and enigma to the narrative.
Magic practices find a place within the Amazonian culture, with the existence of sorcerers attesting to its presence. Rituals include acts of human sacrifice, predominantly involving males and children, carried out in a fervent attempt to appease their deities.
Naming Conventions Bantu Names Examples: Imani, Zuri, Jabari
Written by ZephyrWF