The Little People (Bohpoli/Kowi Anukasha) (Choctaw)
The Choctaw believe in little people called Bohpoli ('the Thrower') or Kowi Anukasha ('Forest Dweller'). These are small beings about two feet tall who dwell alone in the thick, dark woods. They are mischievous but not malicious, often playfully throwing sticks and stones at travelers or hitting pine trees to create noise. All unexplained sounds in the forest are attributed to Bohpoli. They are never seen by common people, only by prophets and shamans. The little people are said to assist medicine men in creating their remedies. Sometimes Bohpoli would 'steal' children and take them into the w