What kind of person was the old man of the mountains in summer of the monkeys

Several times in the novel, Daisy Lee speaks of seeing The Old Man of the Mountains, apparently a spirit or vision. On one occasion she sees the spirit but Jay Berry does not. Daisy believes The Old Man of the Mountains takes care of the natural areas around the Lee home and protects the small animals from harm. She believes he can grant good luck or bad luck by pointing a stick and smiling or frowning, respectively; he does not speak or make any sound and is described as an old man with long white hair. Papa tells Jay Berry that he believes The Old Man of the Mountains really is the spirit of Jesus Christ being vouchsafed to Daisy as a special mercy. At the end of the novel Jay Berry prays to The Old Man of the Mountains and his prayers are answered that day.