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Meaning & History
Name of a shape-shifting shetani (evil spirit) in Zanzibar mythology. It is derived from Swahili elements popo (bat) and bawa (wing), therefore literally meaning "bat-wing" or "winged bat". The spirit may manifestate itself by physical and/or sexual assault, which typically includes anal sodomising. Incubus-like visits of Popobawa would then repeat every night unless the victim confessed the assault to anyone else.