Iknimaya

While there are many rites of passage in Na’vi culture, one that stands above the rest is the Iknimaya. What constitutes Iknimaya varies from clan to clan, however most Iknimaya challenges represent some form of physical and athletic trial that young Na’vi spend considerable time training and preparing for due to inherent risk and danger in the trials.

The Omatikaya clan, for example, has a strong connection to the mountain banshee rookery high in the Hallelujah Mountains. Thus, the Omatikaya Iknimaya sees young warriors make the dangerous climb up to the rookery and bond for life with a wild banshee of their own. Ocean clans, such as the Metkayina, have their own series of trials which make up their Iknimaya- including tests of cooperation with their Spirit Brother or Sister Tulkun, and bonding with a Skimwing for the first time.