The clan with which humans have interacted the most is the Omatikaya, also known as the ‘Blue Flute Clan’. The Omatikaya occupy the lush jungle of the great southern continent of Pandora, Australis, near the equator. They are a very old clan with a rich history and culture, full of ancient legends, customs and artifacts, such as the Blue Flute. The first Toruk Makto was a member of the clan and they take great pride in this legend. As such, the toruk is the Omatikaya’s totem animal; a large toruk skull called the nawmtoruktek, which stands in the communal area of Hometree, serves as a totem to the creature and its rider.
All Na’vi clans are weavers; each clan’s style varies according to the materials available and their lifestyle. The Omatikaya are known among the Na’vi as masters of this craft. Their intricate patterns create some of the most sophisticated fabrics and structures in all the land. The unbreakable focus and dexterity of the Omatikaya at the Mother Loom (below) makes this one of the most mesmerizing sights to be seen on Pandora. Time spent at the loom is just as much about the practice of the craft as it is about producing selfless joy. Each textile is the output of pure enjoyment and happiness. This energy is woven into each brilliant piece and can create a serene field of euphoria.
Like many other clans, the Omatikaya participate in the rites of passage known as Iknimaya and Uniltaron, which are essential for entering adulthood, though they may have their own specifics of how these ceremonies are carried out. Every member of this clan occupies their large and ancient Hometree, and it is a specific custom of the Omatikaya that once Iknimaya and Uniltaron are completed, the mature clan member is allowed to carve a bow from their Hometree’s wood. They may also choose a mate.
The Omatikaya believe that if a job is done correctly it should never need to be done again. With this in mind, the clan will take as long as it takes to perfectly construct a single bow, ax, or spear.
They take a more simplified approach to dress than other clans and typically bare more skin. This giving of flesh symbolizes their open, pure and giving spirit towards Eywa. The loincloth, or tewng, distinguishes the various families within the clan, with members of the same kin wearing specific color combinations, woven patterns and decorative accents. Some of these traits can be traced back to their ancestors. Only articles of clothing that are meaningful to the wearer are created, often crafted by the individual for themselves or a loved one. It is very rare that they make clothing they intend to trade.
The Omatikaya are led by two individuals. The olo’eyktan (Clan Leader) is traditionally the patriarch, similar to a chieftain. The tsahìk is the matriarch. The tsahìk and olo’eyktan rule equally, though each with their own area of responsibility and expertise. The olo’eyktan is the hunt leader, and is also in charge of the making of things, including pottery, clothing, and art. The tsahìk governs the tribe’s relationships to the forest, and is also responsible for their verbal history, medicine, and musical teaching. Her skills could be compared to those of a shaman. It is her job to petition Eywa for guidance, and to make requests of her. The pair are easily identified by their ornate apparel, most of which is a shade of red described as tun-na-eyktan, ‘leader red’. The Tsahìk’s apprentice is called the Tsakarem.
The tsahìk and olo’eyktan of the Omatikaya are a mated pair, and their child is chosen and trained to be a successor. He or she is arranged to be mated one day to a suitable partner, who is also chosen and trained for their role, so that they both will inherit the titles of olo’eyktan and tsahìk, and lead harmoniously.