Tokoloshe

The Tikoloshe (also spelled Tikoloshi or Tikoloshe) is a malevolent, dwarf-like creature in the folklore of the Zulu people of Southern Africa. The term Tikoloshe is derived from the Zulu language, and it is often translated to Hebrew as טיקולוש. In other relevant languages, it is known as Tikoloshe in Xhosa and Tikoloshe in Sotho. This creature is said to be created by witches or traditional healers through rituals involving the burial of a human body part, such as a finger or a toe. The Tikoloshe is often depicted as a small, grotesque figure with a large head, long hair, and a voracious appetite. It is known for causing mischief, sickness, and even death, and it is said to be able to become invisible or to hide in small spaces. To protect against the Tikoloshe, people may place their beds on bricks or use other methods to keep the creature from reaching them. The belief in the Tikoloshe persists in some communities and continues to influence cultural practices and superstitions in Southern Africa.