Voodoo Dolls

From Louisiana

Voodoo dolls originally came from Louisiana.

Voodoo, also known as New Orleans Voodoo. Voodoo is a cluster of black magic folkways that came from the African diaspora traditions. These folk expressions of Afro-American religious customs were developed by enslaved Spanish, Creole, French and West Africans who lived in Louisiana. 

History

Recorded use of Voodoo doll use started in the mid-16^th century following the arrival of African slaves in Haiti. Afro-American religious traditions merged with the Catholicism there and over time, this living voodoo folk art form included Catholic personalities and purposes as well as other religious influences (Hinduism, etc.). For example, some Catholic saints, such as St. Peter, are included in the voodoo. For Haitians St. Peter was also known as Papa Legba, the gatekeeper of the spirit world.

The handmade dolls were used to cure illness and disease.  It was believed that they were capable of making contact with elements of the spirit world and could bring forth healing, assistance for the needy, and, in some cases retribution. 

Louisiana Voodoo Doll Examples:

Dream Changer: Often placed near the bed, this doll aides with sleep and transforms bad dreams into beautiful ones.

Fear Remover:  This doll, often brightly colored, builds confidence.

Prankster: A string doll can be a harmless trickster that pulls funny pranks on others.

Romantic Love: A doll that resembles the one you’d like as a soulmate could help bring him/her to you.

Traffic Helper: This doll hangs from the rear view mirror and can help turn lights from red to green when you are in a hurry.

Clowns

Popular  Folk Characters

Clowns often teach through laughter by exaggerating or poking fun at what otherwise is serious. This folk character is generally either good or evil and has the ability to transform the ordinary into extraordinary. They do so by elaborating and/or reversing common beliefs and expectations.

They have been around for a very long time. From ancient Egypt (2400 B.C.) to today, they have been entertaining people. Witty, funny or downright sinister, they have served very special roles in the societies where they appear. For example, the Hopi Kashari (clown) not only helps to educate children about how to behave in society, but also reports back to the weather gods who are responsible for the much-needed rain in their dry, high altitude climate, about whether or not their behavior has been acceptable.

Here is an overview of 3 basic types of clowns:

MIME

A mime is an artist who makes use of physical movements rather than speech to tell a story. This style of clown originated in Greece.

CIRCUS

There are 4 kinds of clowns: the whiteface, the character and the auguste. They can wear over the top makeup or not. The whiteface clown is the oldest form. White paint foundation would be applied to neck and chest and then red triangles would be drawn on his cheeks and lips. The character clown has a specific role: policeman, a husband, cook, etc.  Makeup includes warts, mustaches, glasses and more. The auguste (also known as red clown) is more often than not adored with over the top stripes and polka dots on his costume. This clown is often the one being making fun of.

JESTERS

A jester was expected to amuse or entertain a lord or other honorable people of the court. Today these clowns appear at markets or fairs and are often very talented in telling tales, doing magic, and acrobatics.

Clowns can provide much needed relief as well as information about what is appropriate behavior. They teach by example and they also celebrate the imperfections of our humanity.

To learn more about folklore: www.folkheartpressauthor.com