Voodoo is a syncretic religion (a combination of many cultural beliefs) based on the practices and beliefs of West African and Roman Catholic customs. It originated in the 16th Century in Haiti as African Slaves arrived on the Island and were forced to convert to the religion of their "masters" while still retaining their African traditions. Haitian Voodoo is similar to New Orleans Voodoo for they both believe in deities called Lwa who are servants of the over all god
Bondyè, who does not intercede in human affairs. Voodoo also takes great care in the veneration of the dead and protection against witchcraft. New Orleans Voodoo is the kind we associate with voodoo dolls, and hoodoo (folk magic) It is a cultural form of the Afro-American Religions which developed within the French, Spanish, and Creole speaking African American population. It was this religion that introduced the concepts of the voodoo dolls and gris-gris into our culture. Gris-gris is a hoodoo amulet or talisman that protects the wearer from evil or brings luck. It usually describes a small cloth bag worn on the person. Inside is placed a mixture of one or more of the following:oils, stones, herbs bones, nails, hair, grave dirt, or other personal items. No one is quite sure how voodoo dolls became a means for casting a spell on or enchanting a person but most agree that it stems from the practices of voodoo queens. During the nineteenth century, Voodoo queens presided over ceremonial meetings and ritual dances. They also earned an income by administrating charms, amulets, and magical powders guaranteed to cure ailments, grant desires, and confound or destroy enemies. I feel that Voodoo relates to my work because of the rich history and aesthetic. The little girl in Jump! reminded me of a voodoo doll while I was making her and I have always had a strange affinity for the strange and super natural as it pertains to spells, herbals concoctions, and contact with the spirit world.
Voodoo is a syncretic religion (a combination of many cultural beliefs) based on the practices and beliefs of West African and Roman Catholic customs. It originated in the 16th Century in Haiti as African Slaves arrived on the Island and were forced to convert to the religion of their "masters" while still retaining their African traditions. Haitian Voodoo is similar to New Orleans Voodoo for they both believe in deities called Lwa who are servants of the over all god Bondyè, who does not intercede in human affairs. Voodoo also takes great care in the veneration of the dead and protection against witchcraft. New Orleans Voodoo is the kind we associate with voodoo dolls, and hoodoo (folk magic) It is a cultural form of the Afro-American Religions which developed within the French, Spanish, and Creole speaking African American population. It was this religion that introduced the concepts of the voodoo dolls and gris-gris into our culture. Gris-gris is a hoodoo amulet or talisman that protects the wearer from evil or brings luck. It usually describes a small cloth bag worn on the person. Inside is placed a mixture of one or more of the following:oils, stones, herbs bones, nails, hair, grave dirt, or other personal items. No one is quite sure how voodoo dolls became a means for casting a spell on or enchanting a person but most agree that it stems from the practices of voodoo queens. During the nineteenth century, Voodoo queens presided over ceremonial meetings and ritual dances. They also earned an income by administrating charms, amulets, and magical powders guaranteed to cure ailments, grant desires, and confound or destroy enemies. I feel that Voodoo relates to my work because of the rich history and aesthetic. The little girl in Jump! reminded me of a voodoo doll while I was making her and I have always had a strange affinity for the strange and super natural as it pertains to spells, herbals concoctions, and contact with the spirit world.
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