Pirakaršol (peer-ah-car-shole)

A pirakaršol is a type of necklace generally distinguished by several crystals and carved pieces of wood hanging on a loose fitting rope necklace. While the concept of a pirakaršol is not unique to any Tiularan tribe, they are most common in the Izbranan tribe due to their emphasis on wandering, trips, and more nomadic way of life. Its name is a combination of Tiularan words, generally meaning "story crystals" in reference to the goal of the necklace to represent a trip, celebration, person, or other cherished light events.

Overview

Pirakaršols are among the oldest types of jewelry on Tiulara, with examples being found more or less since the beginning of the tribes. While the wooden elements and necklace are usually not found, it is not uncommon to find collections of crystals close together and shaped in a way that would indicate they were once part of a pirakaršol. Pirakaršols were more common amongst all the tribes while they were completely nomadic, dwindling in popularity everywhere other than the Izbranan tribe as most Tiularans became semi-agrarian and sedentary.

Construction

Pirakaršols are eclectic by design in their construction, with the only stipulation being that they should be constructed of materials from different locations and/ or at different times. The most common components on a pirakaršol are crystals, stones, carved stones, and carved pieces of wood. Animal claws, small bits of fur, feathers, and carved crystals are also common, but not included on every pirakaršol. There are usually between 5-6 elements on the entire necklace. Generally, a Tiularan will collect one element for their pirakaršol per day or per location and then assemble their pirakaršol when they return home. The necklace is then either kept or given to another who is close to the maker.

Cultural Significance

Pirakaršols have no specific religious or cultural significance and are generally worn for cosmetic reasons or to feel closer to the maker if it was given as a gift. Many Tiularans who make pirakaršols or receive multiple will display them in their homes when not in use, usually draped from pegs in the walls of their home or on a specially made display. Pirakaršols are important in Tiularan culture for their recreational impact more than anything else. They are a sign of the Tiularan cultural emphasis on recreation, exploration, and creating for the sheer pleasure of it. While not uncommon in post-Earthen cultures, pirakaršols are a symbol of an innate Tiularan interest in beauty and exploration. Additionally, a goal of pirakaršols being to preserve happy memories further links the Tiularan peoples' belief in nature and exploration being healing,worth remembering, and worth reminiscing about. Pirakaršols are tools for telling stories and recounting memories, which is a major point of cultural pride in Tiulara.