TAIKI
neutralSpirit
Taiki, whose Hausa name evokes a great leather sack, is an iska spirit of the bori possession cult of the Hausa, in northern Nigeria and Niger. A. J. N. Tremearne, in 1914, reports that when he attacks a person, the victim's belly swells and, if nothing is done, ends by bursting. The only remedy consists in gently striking the abdomen with iron objects, for the spirit detests this metal and departs. The sacrifice that suits him is a pair of black fowls. During the dance, the possessed adept lies down, rolls from one side to the other, then comes to rest on his back while his belly swells. He is then treated as described, until he sneezes and leaves. Tremearne suggests that he might be identical to the spirit Mai-Jan-Ruwa. He also figures among the spirits to whom certain families owe an annual sacrifice, on pain of death.
Powers & Attributes
Role in the ROHO universe
Keeper of the two hands. TAIKI sends the fevers and withdraws them as the measure demands. Bound to the Hausa pantheon. Its alignment depends on the invoker's protocol.
Sacred Mask
An ancient ritual mask of sacred wood, old metal and black stone, engraved with symbols of disease, embodiment of the power of Taiki
Era
Ancient cycle
Frequently asked questions
What ill does Taiki cause?
A swelling of the belly which, without treatment, can make the victim's abdomen burst, according to Tremearne's description.
How is he driven away?
By gently striking the belly with iron objects, a metal the spirit detests, and by offering him a pair of black fowls.
What does his name mean?
In Hausa, taiki designates a great leather sack, an image of the swollen belly. Tremearne also likens him to the spirit Mai-Jan-Ruwa.
Related spirits
Sources and references
- A. J. N. Tremearne, The Ban of the Bori: Demons and Demon-Dancing in West and North Africa, Londres, Heath Cranton, 1914, p. 340 à 341.
- Fremont E. Besmer, Horses, Musicians and Gods: The Hausa Cult of Possession-Trance, South Hadley, Bergin and Garvey (1983)