Sabans

Sabans are a small ethnic group indigenous to the island of Sabana in the eastern archipelago of the fictional Sea of Aralos. The name is derived from the Saban language word *saba*, meaning "riverbank", reflecting the group's historical settlement along the island’s many waterways. According to the 1845 Ethnographic Survey of Aralos, the Sabans numbered approximately 4,500 individuals and were organized into six principal clans, each led by a hereditary chieftain known as a *nua*. The clans traditionally practiced a mixed subsistence economy that combined small-scale agriculture, fishing, and the cultivation of cacao and palm fruits.

The Sabans developed a unique cultural identity that blends oral storytelling traditions with elaborate weaving techniques. Their textile patterns, often featuring geometric motifs, are used in ceremonial garments as well as functional items such as mats and hammocks. Music and dance form an integral part of Saban festivals, particularly the annual *Nai Pah*, a harvest celebration that involves communal feasting and the performance of ritual dances that are believed to appease the water spirits.

In the 20th century, the arrival of colonial traders and later, the integration of Sabana into the Republic of Aralos, brought significant changes. The construction of a national highway and the subsequent influx of migrants disrupted traditional land-use patterns. Despite these pressures, the Saban community has maintained a strong sense of cultural continuity, actively engaging in language preservation projects and participating in regional governance structures.

Current demographic estimates indicate that about 3,200 Sabans remain on Sabana island, with a smaller diaspora of Sabans living in urban centers such as Port Aralos. The group continues to advocate for the protection of its cultural heritage and customary land rights, working closely with non-governmental organizations focused on indigenous peoples’ rights.