Encounter Atlas
The tokoloshe is a small, dwarf-like spirit in the beliefs of Zulu, Xhosa and other Nguni-speaking peoples. It is said to be summoned by people who wish others harm, to make itself invisible, and to cause trouble, illness or worse. It is a living belief for many families, and it is also joked about and used in satire in South Africa.
The best-known protection is raising a bed on bricks so the short tokoloshe cannot reach the sleeper. One explanation for this custom is that people sleeping on the floor beside indoor fires were at risk from carbon monoxide, which pools low, while those on raised beds survived.
Stories of tokoloshe scares still turn up in South African news. Traditional healers and church ministers are called on to drive it away.
What witnesses report
- A small, hairy figure seen at night
- Noises and attacks blamed on an invisible presence
- Beds raised on bricks for protection
Famous cases
Seen the Tokoloshe?
Tell us what happened. Every report is read by a person before it goes on the map, and you can stay anonymous.
