Tradition / Region: Angolan Mythology
Also Known As: Kituta Spirit
Category: Ghost
The Myth
In Angolan folklore, Kituta is a supernatural spirit associated with transformation and the spirit world. One story tells of Ngunza Kilundu kia Ngunza, who was pursued by another man named Kalunga-ngombe.
As Ngunza fled eastward, Kalunga-ngombe chased after him carrying a hatchet. Ngunza denied having committed any crime and asked why he was being hunted. Kalunga-ngombe replied that he was simply pursuing him toward the east.
During the chase, Kalunga-ngombe threw his hatchet at Ngunza Kilundu kia Ngunza. According to the legend, this event caused Ngunza Kilundu kia Ngunza to become a Kituta spirit.
Sources
Chatelain, H. (1894). Folk-tales of Angola; fifty tales with Kimbundu text, liberal English translation, introduction, and notes. Boston: American Folk-lore Society.