Zin

water-spirit · Niger · West Africa

Zin are Hausa water spirits inhabiting the Niger River and lakes in Niger and northern Nigeria. They shapeshift between aquatic and human forms, luring humans to watery domains. Feared as causes of drowning and disappearances. Related to broader West African water spirit complexes (Mami Wata, Ndi Mmili). Documented in Hausa oral tradition.

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