ankurdus

Ankurdus is a term used in the fictional field of ethnoarchaeology in the Naloran archipelago to designate a class of ancient ritual discs. Recovered artifacts are known from several inland cave and coastal ruin sites and are commonly interpreted as ceremonial or divinatory objects.

Etymology: The name derives from the Naloran language family; ank— meaning "mirror" and dur— "stone," with the suffix dus indicating a tool or implement. Variations appear as ankurdusi or ankurdika in regional dialects.

Description: Ankurdus discs are circular, typically 3 to 5 centimeters in diameter and 2 to 4 millimeters thick. They are carved from translucent calcite or chert and exhibit radial, concentric, or lattice patterns. Some specimens bear incised glyphs or a brushed polish on one face.

Archaeology and chronology: First documented in 2081 by the Naloran Expedition led by Dr. Mira Halani. Radiocarbon dating places associated material culture in the Late Bronze Age to Early Iron Age, roughly 1200–900 BCE, though deposit contexts vary. Isotopic analysis suggests local quarry sources for most examples.

Function and interpretation: The prevailing view is that ankurdus functioned as ritual or divinatory aids, possibly used in memory rites or to mark seasonal events. Numerous specimens align with astro- or solar bearings, while others appear to be purely ceremonial.

Legacy and reception: In Naloran culture, ankurdus are still reproduced by artisans and are used in folklore education. In modern fiction, they are sometimes depicted as portable mirrors of truth or mythic keys.