Bisan

No cosmological origin myth is supplied in the available source. The Bisan is described within a local cosmology in which each species of tree has its own presiding spirit; the Bisan is the specific guardian associated with camphor-bearing trees.

The source describes the Bisan as a female nature spirit. She can appear in the form of a cicada and makes cicada-like sounds at night when she sings. The available material does not document other consistent anthropomorphic forms.

The Bisan functions as the guardian or presiding spirit of camphor-bearing trees. Her cicada-like singing at night is treated as an informational sign indicating camphor nearby. She is described as a jealous spirit who will drive away anyone seeking camphor unless she is correctly propitiated. She may accept offerings of food and may also accept the sacrifice of a white cockerel. A specialised mixed code called bahasa kapor or patang kapor ('camphor language', a mixture of Malay and Jakun) is used to confuse her long enough for people to search for camphor unhindered.