The Sylvestrians
Ethnogenesis
The Sylvestrians are an example of a modern-day constructed ethnicity, a phenomenon which occurs when a group of people consciously and collectively adopt a shared identity. The formation of the Sylvestrian Identity Movement on May 16, 2020 spurred on the creation of a unique set of beliefs, customs, and practices that give its members a sense of belonging and shared heritage.
Origins
Sylvestrians claim descent from an ancient seafaring people who, driven from their homeland on the coast of the Iberian Peninsula, came to the Americas a thousand years before Columbus. The Song of Sylvestria, the Sylvestrian epic narrative, documents the story of Pelayo Pelaez, commonly known as "Pimm"- the proto-sylvestrian. The narrative was outlined in late 2020 following an oral telling of the dream that inspired the Sylvestrian genesis, but was never put to paper in its entirety-until now. Publication is expected in the summer of 2025 to mark the 5th anniversary of the dream.
Modern History
The Sylvestrians have faced various challenges and changes since their coalescence as a people. After initially purchasing 16 acres of land in the Ozark mountains, plans for development were stalled due to limited resources. This setback led to the eventual sale of that land in August of 2023. However, the determination to persevere and grow Sylvestrian culture did not waver.
Their journey took them to Mississippi, where they found a new opportunity to thrive. On October 1st, 2023, the Ancient and Celestial Order of Tel Kappa, the guiding body within the Sylvestrian community, secured an important agreement known as the Ballovia Accords. This agreement with a local landowner granted the Sylvestrians the use of a portion of his property for rituals, ceremonies, and cultural practices, providing Sylvestrians with a space to continue developing their distinct identity.
The number of Sylvestrians is currently estimated by community leaders to be between 8 and 12 individuals. The ancient language has almost entirely disappeared, with only the alphabet and a few archaic titles remaining as a tangible piece of Sylvestrian linguistic patrimony. Most members of the community are bilingual, with English and Spanish being the primary languages spoken. Despite this loss of the ancient language, there is a notable revival of Sylvestrian Hand Talk, a form of communication that may predate spoken language and which serves as a unifying element among Sylvestrians.
The Ballovia Accords not only provided the Sylvestrians with a physical space but also outlined the governance of their community, marking it as a significant milestone in their history. This document is revered as the foundational text of the Principality of Sylvestria, demonstrating the evolution of the Sylvestrians beyond just a cultural or social group and into a more structured community with its own territory, government, and body of law.