Bakroe (Bakru)
Bakru (or Bakroe) is a dwarf or gnome spirit in the Winti religion of Suriname. It is called a dwarf spirit as it is approximately half the size of a human child, but with an oversized head. The Bakru is deemed a busi Winti (forest or fire god) of the lowest order. As a Winti the Bakru is used by the Winti of higher orders in the pantheons, to run errands.
The Bakru are usually seen in pairs, or with a family at a short distance. Even though the Bakru is a busi Winti, it is said to be located at bridges, passes, and locks, were it supposedly lives with its family. (Bakru are also said to be found living near very old trees or old houses.)
The Bakru Winti is not the only Bakru that people refer to. There is also a bakru that is created by wisi man (evil spell workers). It is said to be made of half flesh and half wood. Some state that this bakru has red eyes, but that is not always reported by its victims.
There are two versions of this creation story. One story is built on the claim that (paralyzed) humans are used as slaves to carry out difficult or even humanly impossible tasks or wisi (evil tasks). Thus there is no Winti spirit, but possession of the spirit of the person. He is robbed of his own mind or will, and used as if a kartiki bakru. Another story is that a bakru is made out of wood and brought alive. This would mean that the wood gets infused with the spirit of someone or something else. In any case, these two story-lines may converge to the claim that the bakru is half flesh and half wood. The wooden one to direct the flesh one.
The name Bakru strikes terror in people, as the Bakru and bakru are usually linked to abuse. Either the Bakru is sent out to wreak havoc upon selected persons by the higher Winti, or the bakru is used to carry out evil tasks for the wisi man. Either way they will get specific instructions to tie or harm the person(s). As such the Bakru has no will of its own. It is to obey the demand of the Winti that puts it to task, near the same as the bakru is to obey the command of the evil-doer who made it, or controls it.
The bakru goes about its tasks fearlessly. It uses the wooden part of its body to protect itself from hard and sharp objects. Thus it cannot feel pain. It does not have a mind of its own, as its mind is set to perform its task. Even if the bakru would have a mind of its own, it would never be afraid, as the bakru is seldom by itself.
If the bakru cannot perform its task because the person has already died, or is alive but protected, then the bakru will have no choice but to bring harm to the wisi man, or his client, who gave the assignment. The bakru does not have the free will to decide otherwise. Thus if the assignment is to kill – which might only work with people who are weak of mind and spirit already – then the evil-doer will know his fate if the bakru is unsuccessful. He will have to call upon higher Winti to save him. That will come with a hefty pai (price) too.