Bywa means ‘waterspout’. When a waterspout occurs, it is as if the water suddenly gushes out of the sea. It's a rare phenomenon, and one you may only witness once in your life. It's a very special moment, like seeing a flying saucer pass overhead. The people of Badu say that they are caused by a sorcerer testing his magical powers. 

In this work, the spirits play drums and dance in circles while the sorcerer moves about. They also carry bush plants (Pui) from the island of Badu. In the middle of the water, the sorcerer wears a tortoiseshell mask (Karal) used in the Bywa ceremony.

When the water gushes out, the sorcerer manifests his power. The higher the water gushes, the more powerful his magic. The Bywa Au Sagul dance is often performed on the island of Badu.