Kaleta

Kaleta is the child of Zangbeto. His primary role is to make children laugh. He provides entertainment during ceremonies and events. He is followed by a group of children who play drums for him. Kaleta lives inside of termite mounds. It is thought that every termite mound contains a Kaleta. He will only come out when he is summoned by his guardian. Every Kaleta has a guardian.


While I was visiting the village, I asked if it would be possible for the guardian to summon Kaleta on my behalf. The neighborhood boys went to speak to the guardian and he happily accepted. The guardian instructed the boys to buy a bottle of red palm oil as an offering. Since Kaleta is a child spirit, he doesn't need sodabi. He showed the boys the termite mound where the neighborhood Kaleta lives and told them to come back three days later. He needed three days to complete all of the prayers and purification rituals before contacting the spirits. He poured the palm oil on the termite mound.

Three days later at 16:00, the boys went to the termite mound. They removed their shirts, as prescribed by the guardian. They took turns breaking the mound, a process that took nearly an hour of hard work. After the mound was completely broken, the boys stood back and waited. Suddenly, Kaleta appeared before their eyes. Kaleta followed the boys back to the house.

As soon as he arrived, Kaleta immediately began dancing. He also made a prayer for me, communicated by kneeling in front of me and holding out his hand. Kaleta does not speak or make any noise with anyone besides his initiates. He communicates only with the children who accompany him in private, secret conversations.

Kaleta danced for over 15 minutes before returning to his mound. Who knows the next time he will be summoned?