Masalai
Masalai are a class of supernatural place-spirits found throughout Papua New Guinea's diverse cultures. Margaret Mead defined them as supernatural beings inhabiting specific locations distinguished by notable natural features such as waterholes, waterfalls, river bends, cliffs, or marshes. They exercise limited jurisdiction over their own territory and manifest as snakes, crocodiles, two-headed creatures, or bizarre hybrid forms. Masalai are neither purely good nor evil. They protect their domain and can either bless or curse humans depending on how they are treated