Abiku

Abiku are a type of possessor spirits from western Africa.Unknown. (1972). "Abiku", in Leach, M. (ed) Funk & Wagnalls Standard Dictionary of Folklore, Mythology and Legend. 3rd ed. p.4
== Description ==
Abiku are forest spirits who can exist in two states: incarnated and disembodied.
Incarnated abiku were granted permission by Mawu, the creator god, to incarnate in the unborn children of particular families, with each abiku being repeatedly reincarnated within the same family. If an incarnated abiku is identified, their parents dedicate them to the god Vodu in the hope that Vodu will protect the child from other spirits who would try to kill them and return the disembodied abiku to the forest. These children sometimes undergo scarification on the face to either make them unrecognisable to the spirits, or to make them look horrible enough that the spirits won't want them back. They are also often given iron anklets to tether them to the Earth, and belled bracelets to prevent them from running away to the forest.
The disembodied abiku have an endless thirst and hunger. They seek to possess children in order to eat and drink. When they have access to food and drink while possessing a child, they share it with the disembodied abiku, causing the child to die. To end the possession, the child's parents must feed the child in an isolated, hidden place and ring a bell. Abiku dislike bells, and will thus leave the body. Alternatively, if the possessed child gets cuts from being out and about, the pain that results from rubbing pepper into the wounds causes the spirit to leave. 
== References ==
Category:Funk & Wagnalls Standard Dictionary of Folklore, Mythology and Legend
Category:Spirits