Caanaba
Caanaba (also spelled Canaba) is a cosmic serpent in Fulani mythology, designated by Gueno (the eternal creator) to be the guardian of cattle. Usually taking the form of a great serpent, Caanaba protects the sacred herds under the care of Koumen, the primordial shepherd. The serpent represents the primordial, earth-bound aspect of pastoral divinities — the chthonic guardian that complements Koumen's child-like innocence. Caanaba's serpent form connects the Fulani cattle tradition to the broader West African motif of the cosmic snake that guards treasure, knowledge, or sacred animals