Opia

An opia (in related languages possibly opi'a, op'a, operito; also hupia in Spanish) is a ghost, the spirit of a Taíno who has died.

Opias contrast with woyaisa (wowaisa, wayisa), the spirits of the living. While a living woyaisa had definite form, after passing away the spirit is released as an opia and goes to live in a remote earthly paradise called Koɛbɛ.

An opia is able to assume many forms, sometimes appearing as faceless people or taking the form of a deceased loved one. In human form they can always be distinguished by their lack of a belly button. Opias were also associated with bats and said to hide or sleep during the day and come out at night to eat wayaba (guava).

As ghosts active at night, opias were feared and said to seduce women and kidnap people who ventured outside after dark.