kogutasu

Kogutasu is a fictional ceremonial object described in world-building literature and role-playing games. It designates a small portable reliquary or talisman used in rites of passage within a coastal archipelago culture.

Etymology and name. The term kogutasu comes from the imagined language of that culture, combining morphemes rendered as “small” and “memory” in translations; alternate spellings appear in different texts and game supplements.

Description and construction. Kogutasu typically takes the form of a hollow bead or pendant, about 2 to 4 centimeters in diameter, carved from driftwood, bone, or fired clay, and finished with lacquer or polished resin. Many examples carry incised glyphs or inlays representing ancestors, seas, or tides. Some versions include a small internal compartment that holds a fragment of a personal memento.

Use and social function. In rites of passage, a kogutasu is presented by an elder to a younger person, who then wears or carries it for a period of years until the next milestone. It is believed to anchor memory, connect the wearer with lineage, and channel protective spirits during transitions. The object may be passed down through generations or exchanged at ceremonial fairs.

Cultural context and reception. In contemporary fantasy media and tabletop RPGs, kogutasu is commonly depicted as a symbol of continuity and identity. Variants appear across regions with different materials, colors, and inscriptions. Real-world artisans sometimes produce replicas for fans, though these are interpretive and not part of an established canonical lore.