uamki

Uamki is a term used in the fictional archipelago of Sural to denote small carved wooden figurines that serve as household guardians and ritual companions in the Uamk culture. In traditional practice, uamki are kept on domestic altars and during ceremonies they are believed to symbolize protective spirits, offering solace and guidance to families.

The word is said to come from the Uamk language, with the root ua- conveying protection and the suffix -mki indicating an object or entity. Earliest references in the lore of the region place uamki in households dating back several centuries, though detailed records are scarce and rely on oral history and storyteller accounts within the world’s canon.

Culturally, uamki play a role in rites of passage, seasonal harvests, and times of illness or danger. Families may commission a new figure to mark milestones or to honor protective ancestors. Craftsmanship emphasizes simplicity and expressiveness: figures are typically humanoid, 5 to 12 centimeters tall, carved from driftwood or hardwood, and painted with mineral pigments. Adornments such as beads, cloth, or small metallic charms are common, and each variation is believed to carry a distinct protective function.

In modern depictions within the lore, uamki are both artisanal objects and cultural symbols. Some communities continue traditional carving practices, while others produce replicas for festivals or merchants. Debates in the fictional world touch on authenticity, ownership, and the value of traditional forms in a changing economy.

See also: amulets, ritual sculpture, folklore.