Vairkas

Vairkas are carved wooden figures that play a central role in the folk traditions of the Nordari, a coastal community in the fictional Northreach region. They function as ancestral guardians and are used in rituals marking life milestones such as birth, initiation, and marriage. The term vairka is often translated as "guide" or "watcher" in Nordari languages.

Historically, vairkas are believed to have originated in early clan shrines and spread through coastal trade networks. Common features include stylized human forms, oversized heads, and cloaks that evoke waves or forests, reflecting the environment and beliefs of the people who made them.

Construction uses locally sourced woods such as ash or pine. Carving is done with knives and chisels, surfaces are smoothed and treated with animal fats or plant oils, and many vairkas are painted with mineral pigments. Some examples include cloth or shell inlays. They vary in size from small handheld figures to life-size forms used in processions.

Role and symbolism: the figures are believed to house protective spirits. During ceremonies, families place vairkas on altars, offer food, and recount ancestral stories. They are handed down through generations or guilds and may be renewed or re-carved over time.

Contemporary context: today, vairkas appear in museums and cultural festivals, and some artisans produce contemporary variants that reinterpret traditional motifs for broader audiences. They remain a symbol of community identity, continuity, and the transmission of heritage.