Lakúma
Yámana · deity · mythic primordial · deity
SOLITARY: Lakúma is a dread water/sea spirit recorded with no individuated kin (the name also designates a class of such water-beings). Sex is left unknown: the sources describe a monstrous, shape-uncertain being (likened to a whale, squid or giant worm) rather than a gendered person. Classed as a deity (spirit-being) with no attested parent. Documented by Gusinde (1937) and in Wilbert's Folk Literature of the Yamana Indians (1977).
Domains
- sea and water
- storms and drowning
- taboo enforcement
Powers
- capsizes canoes and drowns and devours their occupants
- raises great waves, whirlpools and storms
- attacks and devours those who break taboo
- is placated by sweet song and flattering words
Sources
- Gusinde, Martin. Die Feuerland-Indianer, Band II: Die Yamana, 1937 (Eng. trans. The Yamana, HRAF 1961).
- Wilbert, Johannes (ed.). Folk Literature of the Yamana Indians (Gusinde's collection), 1977.
- A Book of Creatures, 'Lakúma' (abookofcreatures.com), and Featured Creatures, 'Lakuma' (mythicalcreaturescatalogue.com), both citing Gusinde's Yamana material.