Eloko

spirit · Democratic Republic of the Congo · Central Africa

Eloko are forest spirits of the Mongo-Nkundo people of the Congo Basin, believed to be restless dead of ancestors who died with grudges. Fiercely territorial, they guard game and forest resources and are said to cast spells with enchanted bells that paralyze victims before they attack. They warn against neglecting ancestors and plundering the rainforest without respect.

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