Duende

Origin and tradition

Duende is an Iberian term with many regional meanings, carried into diverse Latin American traditions. It can describe a mischievous household being, a small wild figure, or an elusive presence. The word does not identify a single creature with one origin or appearance.

Illustration in this atlas

A small humanlike figure in a pointed red cap and leaflike clothing. This is an artistic choice within diverse duende traditions; the pointed cap is not a chupalla, which is a broad-brimmed hat.

References and further reading

1. folklore.usc.edu — Duende

These references offer further reading. Accounts and depictions vary; the atlas illustration is interpretive artwork, rather than historical or scientific evidence.