Kezeleés

Kezeleés, singular Kezeleé, are an ethnolinguistic group traditionally inhabiting the upland valleys of the northern island chain in the region of Nirelia. The group is estimated to number around 100,000 individuals.

Name and language: The name Kezeleés derives from the Kezelean term for “bright wind.” The Kezelean language forms part of the Nirelic language family and is notable for its agglutinative morphology and rich consonant clusters.

Society and culture: Kezeleés live in village-based communities organized around kin groups and local councils. They practice subsistence agriculture—terraced maize and root crops—supplemented by fishing and seasonal trade. Traditional crafts include textile weaving and carved wooden masks used in ceremonial events that mark agricultural cycles and rites of passage.

Art and music: The community values polyphonic singing and a pentatonic folk scale; instruments include reed flutes and string instruments.

History: Historical records date to early explorers in the 17th–18th centuries, with later colonial-era administrations shaping education and governance. Anthropologists have documented a long-standing tradition of oral history, which preserves migration stories and clan genealogies.

Modern status: Kezeleés face language endangerment pressures due to urban migration and national schooling in the dominant language. Language revitalization efforts exist, including local schools and community archives. UNESCO and national authorities have identified several heritage sites within Kezeleé territory.