What is "ngesh"

In the Kuba region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the belief in nature spirits, called ngesh or mingeh, is widespread. Ngesh are believed to possess human characteristics, live near water sources in forests or villages, and may be encountered at any time. Community residents know the name of local ngesh and their offspring. Ngesh impose themselves on various human affairs, including the control of harvest and the fertility of women.

Each ''ngesh ''is named and distinguished from one another; the Kuba invest each ngesh with its own particular temperament, the likes and dislikes of which set off its volatile nature. The ''ngesh ''have their own individual character.