Sanaman people
The Sanaman people is a south Benacian people primarily found in Sanama and Talenore. The population in Talenore, called Sani, is in decline due to emigration to Sanama. The Sanamans consist of two closely related population groups, the Sani and Ama. The main differences are cultural, while they mostly share the same religion and language. The Sanamans speak primarily the Sanaman language, with a minority in Sanama having switched to the Istvanistani language during colonial rule.
History
Culture
Sanamans are generally very family oriented, often living two or three generations together. Couples usually marry between 25 and 30 years old and have several children. Religion plays a big role as a cultural framework, contributing to the calendar providing families with opportunities for larger socialisation with friends and extended family.
Calendar
The traditional Sanaman calendar consists of fifteen months named after prominent constellations, all with animal names. The months now align with the Norton calendar.
| Norton | I | II | III | IV | V | VI | VII | VIII | IX | X | XI | XII | XIII | XIV | XV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sanaman | Pupaw (Pig) | Aso (Dog) | Paka (Cow) | Kawlapa (Carabao) | Qaqatirri | Putiki (Lizard) | Meheng (Goat) | Amerha (Eagle) | Mongko (Mongoose) | Piki (Chicken) | Yusha (Deer) | Posa (Cat) | Telhera | Ihaw (Donkey) | Yuha (Monkey) |
Holidays in Sanama proper
| Holiday | Date | AN date | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Esu Yorasli (Moon Day) | 19 Puwha Asoli | 19.II | Celebration of the Moon and the Moon god Yoras |
| Esu Mahalalenli (Rememberance Day) | 12 Puwha Pakali | 12.III | Day to remember dead relatives |
| Esu Sawapanli (Independence Day) | 7 Puwha Mehengli | 7.VII | Celebration of Sanaman independence in 1671 |
| Esu Esasli (Sun Day) | 11 Puwha Amerhali | 11.VIII | Celebration of the Sun and the Sun god Esas |
| Esu Pumofenli (Election Day) | 12 Puwha Pikili | 12.X | Election Day |
| Esu Xalanuli (Day of Xalanu) | 13 Puwha Yushali | 13.XI | Death day of Xalanu |
| Ling Anili (Harvest Week) | 31-36 Puwha Yuhali 25-30 Puwha Yuhali 19-24 Puwha Yuhali 19-24 Puwha Ihawli |
31-36.XV 25-30.XV 19-24.XV 19-24.XIV |
Starts with new year's day and ends with harvest day, one week celebration |
Religion
A large majority of the Sanaman people follow the traditional religion Somanes.
| |||||||||||||||||||||||
