Askajian/Legends

Askajians were a humanoid species from the planet Askaj. Externally, they appeared very similar to humans, mainly differing in the thick, wrinkled skin on their forehead, their six breasts, and their girth. Internally, the Askajians were adapted to desert survival with large sacs for water storage. This allowed them to go for several weeks without water. An Askajian could shed up to sixty percent of the water in his or her body with no effect other than tremendous slimming.

Askajians lived in a primitive, tribal society, living mostly by gathering plants and hunting herds of large, woolly beasts called tomouns. One of the most important figures in an Askajian tribe was the weaver, who knew the secret techniques to create tomoun cloth. Tomoun cloth was a strong, yet soft and wrinkle-resistant fabric which was a high-demand luxury item as far away as the Core Worlds. As this was the only export the Askajians have, their tribes had been known to fight wars over the services of especially skilled weavers.

Dancers were also important in Askajian culture. A skilled dancer acted as a shaman and loremaster, re-enacting tribal history and legend and leading worship of their main goddess, the Moon Lady. One of the most famous Askajians in galactic history was Yarna d'al' Gargan, who was one of Jabba's favourite dancers at Jabba's Palace. When she had stored lots of water, she was said to remind Jabba of his mother.

Appearances

 * Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi