28642: Question from Benson re Cigouave (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

Legrace Benson   lgbenson@cbs.ucsb.edu

would like to find a source for the etymology of the word cigouave.  The 
creature appears in the Marcellin brothers Beast of the Haitian Hills, and in 
other tales.  What I find so far ties it to the manticore, a mythical composite 
beast first heard of, apparently, in Ethiopia. Some trace, no leap  this 
creature into Haiti after bounding out of West Africa, leaving no intervening 
spoor.  I am guessing it has nothing to do with manticores but is still lurking 
in the woods as a Taino maroon.  Are there any trails to it through Kreyol?
    One of these beasts is currently inhabiting an opening paragraph of Section 
I of a book underway, and the correct zanzet is of some concern.
I'll appreciate any leads.
Reply to   lgbenson@cbs.ucsb.edu