Annzhov Cloak

Through these ties by bound. Know each other, and know that your people support you.

— An Ayddzim wedding rite

Among the Ayddzim people of Gze Gu'azhayddzi, one of the most common and defining garments are annzhovs, known to outsiders as annzhov cloaks. A simple and distinctive cloak, it forms a vital part of Ayddzim dress and ties into many parts of life.

Design

At the core, annzhovs are quite simple - a half-circle or circle cloak, usually crafted from leather or wool, which draw closed with strings attached at the neck hole. What distinguishes them from similar cloaks is the method of tying, with two holes on either side that the strings are looped through across the chest. A separate hood, usually made of the same material, is then able to attach to the knots with more strings, allowing them to be interchanged for different occasions.   As the knots tying the cloak and its components together aren't hidden, they are frequently decorative, either through intricate knots or the addition of dangling charms or beads. These are almost always present at the back of the hood, as the weight helps keep the hood from blowing over the head, though people will occasionally reposition the hood forward for the purpose of carrying young children.

History and Evolution

Annzhovs have been a staple of Ayddzim for as long as stories speak, reflecting the harsh life they live in the mountain peaks and their focus on community. Prior to the Collision, when the Ayddzim still lived in Tiyu Noha, annzhovs were crafted exclusively from either the hide or woven wool of Uynilbero, a goat-like creature native to snows.   Following the Collision, and their homeland becoming the Carved Mountain towering over northern Thurásin, the limited range resulted in most annzhovs being made exclusively from wool, and often repaired with leaves to avoid overtaxing the uynilbero population. When the Ayddzim began digging their way to the base of the mountain, they began experimenting with materials harvested from the caves, such as harvesting mushrooms for sturdy mycelium, or the hides of burrowing creatures that would often blanch white.   Finally making contact with the plains in 70 Collision (355 Years Ago), the annzhovs became a distinguishing fashion between the Ayddzim and the other elves of Hiy'ujii'a, and a point of cultural pride. This was even as the new access to trade introduced new material options for crafting them, such as far-flung cottons and different wool blends dyed in exotic colours. Trade also influenced the decorations present, with sea shells and dragon scales becoming particularly popular as a sign of wealth.