Ohesa chieftain necklace

An ornate necklace made of yarn (or other textile) with elaborate patterns, both in shape and colours. The primary material is always a textile, usually sheep's wool but if the clan or that particular chieftain's family specialises in another animal it can be something else, like goat hair. Most are adorned with beads or small bits of ornate metalwork.   These necklaces are exclusively worn by the chieftains of the Ohesa. They are heirlooms but also worn daily. When one looks like it might pass over into a state of scruffiness, rather than splendour, a new one is commissioned. Being able to afford such a commission is a sign of wealth and therefore boosts the reputation of the chieftain and the clan. The old necklaces are not discarded but preserved and displayed in the hall of the Council of Chieftains.   When one enters the hall the necklaces can be seen hanging on the walls; those of each clan behind the seat of the respective chieftain. How many there are, the level of decoration and the state at which is was decided that a new necklace was warranted is therefore constantly in view when a chieftain speaks at the Council.  

History

The chieftain necklaces are an old tradition, predating the emergence of the Ohesa, though they were not always made predominantly of textiles. All chieftains of the Taesaf used to have them and they were frequently made from metal or heavily featured beads or wood or bone. Now the rest of the Taesaf no longer adhere to clan structures, the chieftains and their necklaces are a thing of the past. Among the folk who would become the Ohesa, necklaces heavily featuring wool yarn or other textiles became popular as folk turning increasingly towards herding and crafts related to it.   The makers of these necklaces are highly respected as expert craftsfolk. To be commissioned for one is considered a great honour, but equally the chieftain who receives the necklace is considered to have been given a great blessing by the crafter.