[1][2][3] One of a number of folkloric characters who are similar to jinn but have distinct personalities, she is typically depicted as a beautiful young woman who has the legs of a hoofed animal such as a goat or camel.
Westermarck suggests that Phoenician colonies in North Africa first introduced Kandicha, who was later folded into Islamic traditions while maintaining her licentious nature and association with aquatic environments.
[6] A direct connection between Qetesh and Astarte - associated, depending on the time period and area, with war, hunting, royal power, healing etc., but not with fertility as Westermarck claimed - cannot be established.
More localized beliefs about Aicha Kandicha, such as those of the Beni Ahsen, include that she is afraid of steel knives and needles and has a husband (or male associate) known as Hammu Qayyu.
The Buffis believe her to wear black garments, have camel-like feet, cause pregnant women who see her to miscarry, and cause people she possesses to bray or bark like animals.