Cryptid Vault
Sasabonsam

Sasabonsam

Also known as: Asasabonsam

In the forests of Ghana, something with iron teeth and bat wings sits in the treetops, legs dangling like bait.

First Reported

Ancient Ashanti oral tradition

Origin Area

Ghana and Ivory Coast forests

Size

Human-sized with 20-foot wingspan

Temperament

Predatory ambush hunter

Status

Folklore

Folklore onlyHigh DangerAfricaForest

The Lore

The Sasabonsam is a vampiric creature from Ashanti and Akan folklore in Ghana and surrounding West African countries. Described as a tall, thin humanoid with iron teeth, bloodshot eyes, and large bat-like wings, it sits in the upper canopy of forest trees. Its legs dangle from the branches, and it snatches up anyone who passes underneath. Sasabonsam are closely linked with Asanbosam, a related tree-dwelling predator in the same tradition.

Body Type

HumanoidAvian

Folklore Origin

Indigenous tradition

Similar Real Animals

Hammer-headed batChimpanzee