49. INSECT GATHERER’S ROBE: IRUSAQ 15^TH CENTURY

POST IMPERIUM

Since the Wave Masters of Nrat-Tuan moved on, leaving their lucrative glass technology to the Irusaqis, the Forest People of Irusaq have increased their wealth and power by trading in beads of glass. Their Robes have become richer, and even the comparatively humble occupation of Insect Gatherer sports a highly decorated ceremonial Robe. Insect Gatherers are responsible for the sustainable management of the huge insect population of the Irusaqi forests: a source of food for the insectivorous and medicines for both domestic use and export. It is not customary for the Archives to feature a Robe together with its owner’s gathering tools, as well as samples of the types of insects typically gathered, but it is an extremely interesting exhibit for us. Hitherto not a lot has been known about the Forest insects and their managers, so we are very privileged to have this little piece of Irusaqi history.