Buda (folklore)

Buda, in Ethiopian and Eritrean folk religion, refers to the power of the evil eye and the ability to transform into a hyena. This power is believed to be held by certain social groups, such as the Beta Israel and metalworkers, and is also present in Sudan, Tanzania, and among the Berbers of Morocco. The belief remains widespread in Ethiopia, where those accused of possessing buda are often outsiders, and the power is thought to stem from envy or malevolent spirits. Protective measures include amulets called kitab and exorcisms performed by ordained Ethiopian Orthodox priests or debtera.