kartuses

Kartuses is a term used in speculative fiction and worldbuilding to denote a class of ceremonial artifacts that appear in ritual practice within imagined cultures. Because it is a fictional or constructed concept, kartuses are defined by authors and worldbuilders rather than by historical sources.

Definition and form: A kartus, the singular form, is typically a small object that can be held, worn, or displayed. Common materials include wood, bone, ceramic, and metal, though variations may employ other substances. Shapes range from discs and tablets to stylized figurines, often bearing geometric motifs, symbols, or inscriptions that carry meaning within a culture.

Function and use: Kartuses serve as vessels for memory, obligation, or identity. They are commonly employed in rites of passage, marriage or naming ceremonies, oath-taking, or memorial practices. In some settings, they function as tangible records of lineage or personal vows, and they may be gifted, traded, or inherited to signify social bonds and responsibilities.

Cultural context: In-world societies, possession of kartuses marks belonging to a group or kinship network, while transfers during ceremonies encode changes in status or obligation. Designs and inscriptions can encode history, law, or myth, making each kartus a physical document of cultural values.

Reception and scholarship: Within fictional worlds, scholars often debate the origins of kartuses, interpreting them as either ancient artifacts, evolving social tools, or living traditions that adapt to changing communities.

See also: amulets, talismans, ritual objects. Note: This article describes a fictional concept used in worldbuilding and speculative writing; it does not refer to real-world artifacts.