Lesser Sky-Spirit and Lord of the Dead

Classed as deity (a lesser/ambivalent divine being). The figure is best attested among the northern San (Ju/'hoansi) as documented by Lorna Marshall and Megan Biesele, distinct from the malevolent Khoekhoe ǁGaunab though etymologically and conceptually related. ǁ = lateral click; ASCII '//Gauwa'. The prompt lists ǁGãuwa under San.

Domains

• the dead
• sickness and healing
• trance and ecstasy

Powers

• sends invisible arrows of sickness through the spirits of the dead
• is wrestled and driven off by trance-healers protecting the sick

Relations

• equated with: Lord of Darkness and Death

Sources

• Marshall, L., 'Nyae Nyae !Kung Beliefs and Rites', Peabody Museum (1999)
• Biesele, M., 'Women Like Meat' (1993)
• Katz, R., 'Boiling Energy' (1982)