Henta and Henta-koo

Henta and Henta-koo are two different methods practiced by the Nicobarese of Nicobar Islands to drive away the evil spirits. To drive the evil spirits they avail the service of the witch doctor Menlunas who is believed to have the powers of smelling evil spirits and driving them away. In Henta-koo wooden figures with real or mythological animals, birds, fish, crocodiles, or human beings, are carved or painted. These figures are always aggressive and monstrous as they are supposed to scare and drive away the evil spirits.