Oniate: The ‘Dry Hand’ With A Poisonous Touch
PxfuelThe Oniate is described as a vengeful disembodied hand.
According to the Iroquois, Oniate — “dry fingers” or “dry hand” — is a ghostly, disembodied hand.
In some versions of the legend, which are especially popular among the Seneca and Cayuga peoples, Oniate prowls abandoned areas, possibly ones that are forbidden to humans. When people approach, it strikes.
Another version of the same tale suggests that Oniate is much more vengeful. Instead of waiting for people to wander across its path in the middle of nowhere, it actively seeks out people who have done wrong.
It might attack someone who spoke ill of the dead, for example. Oniate might also target anyone whose actions caused discord among the tribe or within families, or someone who is nosy about other people’s business.
Once Oniate has perceived wrongdoing, it will attack. Stretching out its diseased fingers, it will brush the flesh of the “evildoer.” Its touch can infect a person, blind them, or even kill them.
To some, Oniate is nothing more than a tale to keep children in line. Fearing Oniate’s wrath, children are encouraged to speak well of others, mind their own business, and keep peace at home.
But similar myths do appear across the world. There is the legend of La Mano Peluda, for instance, which is allegedly a similar ghost hand in South America. Sometimes, it shoots out from beneath the bed to torment children who won’t go to sleep.
