Voodoo Art Dolls

Lonely Ju Ju Doll finds New Home but Leaves Behind a Stray Black Cat

2009-08-16T22:15:00.001-07:00

That's right...I'm upping the ante. Actually, I had a very hard time choosing a winner for my lonely Ju Ju. I am torn and feel bad to have to choose because everyone seems to deserve him/her.Most people seem to really be struggling right now (myself included). So I decided to give it the weekend to give people a chance to open their emails and post their comments. In the meantime, my lonely Ju Ju found a stray black cat charm doll hiding on the shelf. What a stroke of good luck for him! That means he will have a new home and since he's gotten good luck from the black cat, he will bring double the luck to his new home!

So who is the winner of my lonely Ju Ju Doll? You have to keep reading to find out...

In Western history, black cats have often been looked upon as a symbol of evil omens: in other cultures, they are considered to be good omens. Superstitions centering around the black cat are some of the most widely known and popular superstitions. For example, In Scotland, a strange black cat on your porch is a sign of upcoming prosperity. In Ireland, when a black cat crosses your path in the moonlight, it means there is going to be an epidemic illness. In Italy hundreds of years ago, it was believed that if a black cat lay on the bed of a sick person, that person would die. Many years ago in England, fishermen's wives kept black cats in their homes while their husbands went away to sea in their fishing boats. They believed that the black cats would prevent danger from occurring to their husbands while they were away. For all you kitty lovers, there's a whole lot of information about black cat folklore at the Mystic Voodoo; you can see a mummified Egyptian cat and learn all about infamous kitty deities and superstitions. You can even find a free download to Edgar Allen Poe's The Black Cat there. It's a short story but in true Poe fashion, I must warn you that it is a little creepy.

In New Orleans Voodoo, black cats have been the subject of controversial sacrifice in the past, particularly with regards to finding the one bone in the body that is all powerful. On that page at the Mystic Voodoo I was telling you about, you can find the actual Black Cat Bone Spell there, but I curse three times the person who tries to perform such a ritual. And you really don't want to be cursed by the Voodoo Mama...

The abuse of black cats for sacrificial and ritual reasons is no longer practiced nor encouraged in New Orleans. On the contrary, in the African American hoodoo tradition, black cats are considered to be good luck in matters of sports and gambling, particularly with card games and playing the lottery. The black cat mojo bag is filled with a number of luck-bringing roots and herbs, including John the Conqueror root, and adorned with a small black cat charm on the outside and carried on the person for good luck, especially when gambling.

Now, let me tell you a little more about this stray black kitty that is now up for adoption. This stray kitty is a one of a kind black cat charm doll. I will never make another one like her. I couldn't if I tried. She only has a bedazzled collar that is full of good luck charms and stones, but if you are the artsy type, you could add charms all over her body like I do to my other black cat charm dolls:

When I was making her, she only wanted her collar done. if you notice, she does have the seven magickal Voodoo pins for whiskers. If you want to adopt this kitty, use her as a focusing tool for creating the change you seek. Charm dolls are particularly useful for improving luck, happiness, financial situations, and spiritual protection. Would you like to adopt Lonely Ju Ju's stray kitty?

If so, write a comment below and give me your best, most persuasive argument. Oh, and by the way (I almost forgot in my efforts to find stray kitty a new home) that the winner for the Lucky Ju Ju Doll can be found here

Got Mojo? by voodoomama
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Lonely Voodoo Ju Ju Doll Seeks New Home

2009-08-13T11:13:00.001-07:00

Here he is, or she is, you can decide the gender. One lonely Ju Ju doll who wasn't claimed last month. I still can't believe it. Ju Jus are nothing but good luck, and they are an heirloom too.

Usually, these dolls are adorned only on one side. This one is adorned on both sides. However, there is still room for you to add your own charms and what-nots if you would like. Here is a picture of my lonely Ju Ju's backside:

I have written before about Ju Jus and charm dolls. The reason I am posting this particular doll is because no one claimed it as the winner of the free Voodoo doll contest last month. But, in case you are interested in what Ju Ju dolls are all about, I have posted an excerpt from my book Voodoo Dolls in Magick and Ritual below.

Ju Ju Dolls

Ju Ju dolls are a commonly sought for their good luck and protection properties. The term "ju ju" refers to an object, in this case a doll, that has been blessed and functions to keep evil and negativity away. Sometimes Ju Ju dolls are referred to as guardians because they are used to protect the home from negativity. Other popular ju jus in New Orleans include talismans made of alligator heads and chicken feet. Ju Ju dolls are usually created as poppets, then adorned with colorful yarn, good luck charms, and gris gris bags filled with magickal items to bring positive blessings to their possessor. Ju Ju dolls can be hung above the doorway in your home to keep away evil and negative energy.

Sometimes, ju ju dolls are made in the form of familiars, such as the black cat, one of the most powerful animals in the Voodoo tradition. In the New Orleans Voodoo hoodoo tradition, black cats are considered to be good luck in matters of sports and gambling, particularly with card games and playing the lottery. Black Cat mojo bags are filled with a number of luck-bringing roots and herbs, including John the Conqueror root, and adorned with a small black cat charm on the outside and carried on the person for good luck. Black cat ju ju dolls are adorned with good luck charms and charms that carry a gambling theme, such as tiny dice and playing cards.

If you would like to adopt this wonderful Ju Ju Doll that I am so graciously willing to give as the free Voodoo doll of the month, leave your comment below and by Friday evening I will choose a winner from the responses. If you have not signed up for the contest yet, you can do so by visiting Free Voodoo Doll Contest at Planet Voodoo.

Good luck and laissez bon ton roulet! (let the good times roll!)

MOJO MAMA is a Voodoo Doll

2009-03-08T06:19:00.000-07:00

She's all about the sass and soul, and layin' down that hot bayou magick! Did you know that the word Mojo comes from the Spanish verb mojar - to wet, and Mama means mother (okay so the second one is a duh)? What does that say about the Mojo mama Voodoo doll? Well, all I know is that is her name. Mojo Mama is an authentic good luck ju ju doll made in the New Orleans Voodoo tradition. Ju jus are blessed dolls designed to keep evil and negativity away and to bring good luck to their possessor. Mojo Mama was created to honor the Voodoo Mambo, the High Priestess, and the female Goddess archetypes.

This stunning, magickal Voodoo Ju Ju Doll stands approximately 8 inches tall from head to foot or 12 inches if you consider her gorgeous fluffy feathers. She is made of Spanish moss and sticks that is hand collected, and her face is hand sculpted out of polymer clay and painted. She is decorated with yarn, buttons, beads, and a variety of magickal charms such as a Saints Valentine medal, fairy charm, Day of the dead bead, a wing, crystals, an Israeli prayer bead, and a butterfly. She has her own Ouija board and gris gris bag, and is holding a witches ball that is a handcrafted lamp worked bead made especially for Mystic Voodoo dolls by Bountiful Bonita. This bead is to ward off evil energies. She was created with great attention to detail and with positive intentions.

You can see Mojo Mama on eBay now.

Voodoo Art Dolls: Voodoo Dolls in Magick and Ritual

2009-02-27T20:26:00.000-08:00

Voodoo Art Dolls: Voodoo Dolls in Magick and Ritual

Voodoo Dolls in Magick and Ritual

2009-02-26T08:25:00.001-08:00

For those folks who may be interested in the history of Voodoo dolls, you should check out my new book, Voodoo Dolls in Magick and Ritual. In it, I trace the origins of the modern day Voodoo doll back to Africa and Greece, how they were used, how they got here to the US, and how they are supposed to be used, as opposed to how they are believed to be used. In 213 pages (who knew there was so much to know?) I discuss the various types of archetypal dolls that have had an influence on the modern day Voodoo doll, as well as provide descriptions of the various types of Voodoo dolls one can find in New Orleans. For example, the photo below is a vintage Voodoo doll from my private collection. It is an old style Voodoo moss doll that was made in the traditional fashion out of sticks and Spanish moss, but the really interesting thing is that its face was made from the mud chimney of a crawfish hole.

Now, you are probably looking at this doll and thinking to yourself, or perhaps saying out loud something about how ugly and evil it looks. You may be surprised to know, however, that it was made to enhance one's intuition. So, you see, looks can be deceiving, even with Voodoo dolls.

Now here is another Voodoo doll from the old school style. It is called a ju ju doll and these are made to bring good luck and protection. A ju ju is an object that is used to ward off evil and negativity. The doll is adorned with a variety of charms, buttons, beads, saints medals and what-nots to charge the doll with the power of its purpose. Of course, being from the New Orleans Voodoo tradition, there are also some fun trinkets on it as well, like a martini glass and a "Party" button. A lot of times you could find these dolls with Mardi Gras doubloons and king cake babies attached, too.

Now, the ju ju dolls are a lot of fun to make and a lot of fun to look at. But they probably are a take off from the old style nkisi or bocio from Africa. Minkisi (plural) are crude wooden dolls frequently made for protection, and they would have a lot of personal items attached to them to enhance their purpose. From the book, "A nkisi literally translates as "sacred medicine". The term nkisi is the general name for a variety of holy objects used throughout the Congo Basin in Central Africa thought to contain spiritual powers or spirits. Minkisi (plural) are primarily containers such as ceramic vessels, gourds, animal horns, shells, bundles, dolls, or any other object that can contain spiritually-charged substances. Minkisi are often referred to as portable graves because they may contain personal items of a powerful individual as one of the main ingredients. Even graves can be considered minkisi because they house the spirits of the dead.

Minkisi may be created for the protection and wellbeing of the community or for the private use of an individual, according to their specific needs. For example, individuals may need protection for themselves and their families, or seek general success in their economic pursuits" (Alvarado, 2009, pp. 23-24).

Power Figure (Nkisi)
19th–20th century
Kongo peoples; Democratic Republic of Congo
Wood, paint, nails, cloth, beads, shells, arrows, leather, nuts, twine; H. 23 5/32 in. (58.7 cm)
The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Bequest of Nelson A. Rockefeller, 1979 (1979.206.127)Retrieved from the Metropolitan Museum of Art website.

Like modern day Voodoo dolls, the process of creating a bocio or nkisi was an empowering activity and sometimes involved more than one person. For example, there was the artist who created the raw figure, the diviner who activated the object by attaching a variety of personal items to the sculpture, and the client who uses it in a particular ritual context (Blier, 1995). After the sculptor carves it, the diviner customizes it by adding symbolic materials such as special earths and stones, leaves and seeds, parts of animals, bird beaks and feathers, all of which are specifically combined to attract and direct forces for an intended purpose. Consequently, each nkisi is a unique creation. While the ju ju is made of different material, the manner of creation is remarkably similar.

Well I cold go on, but perhaps I will save it for another post. If you are interested, you can read more about it in my new book here.

Voodoo Primitives

2008-11-30T11:43:00.000-08:00

It's been awhile since I've posted anything here, but I have still been cranking out the Voodoo dolls. I started putting a little more effort into my Etsy shop, Voodoo Primitives, where I am selling my Bayou Swamp babies, pocket poppets, Swamp Ju Jus, and anything else I feel belongs there.

So Bayou Swamp babies are sort of like big poppet baby dolls who were born in the swamps. You can click on the links below to see each of the newer styles of dolls.

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
voodoomama.etsy.com

Oshun, Voodoo Goddess of Love

2008-10-11T13:14:00.001-07:00

In Yoruban mythology, Oshun is an Orisha (spirit goddess) of love, intimacy, beauty, wealth and diplomacy. She represents the cosmological forces of water, moisture, and attraction. Her power is represented as the force of harmony - harmony seen as beauty, felt as love, and experienced as ecstasy.

Oshun is known as the mother of things outside the home, due to her business acumen. She is also known as she who has ears, because of how quickly and effectively she answers prayers. When she possesses her followers she dances, flirts and then weeps- because no one can love her enough and the world is not as beautiful as she knows it could be.

I created this Oshun Voodoo doll in my signature conjure art style out of two sticks and Spanish moss and wrapped her in gold fabric, gave her a gold crown and draped her with gold chains. Yes, she loves bling - gold bling in particular. She is holding a gold prayer ball that contains some of her favorite things; stones, fetish, and a suprise or two. You can put a prayer in her prayer ball and be assured she will answer it.

Her face is made of polymer clay and painted, and her hair is some black curly doll hair I found in a thrift store somewhere combined with some black fancy yarn. She is standing on a piece of tile trimmed in gold ribbon.

Voodoo Rope Doll

2008-07-08T09:41:00.000-07:00

This Voodoo doll is based on an old style of Voodoo doll that used to be common in New Orleans. Made primarily out of rope, this doll is designed to hang on the wall. His face is made out of polymer clay, and he is wearing the characteristic strand of Mardi Gras beads.

Voodoo Virility Doll

2008-06-13T20:50:00.000-07:00

One of my latest creations is this Voodoo virility doll. I created him for a customer who was seeking improvement in the area of love and sex. This guy is very proud of his manhood, and he has good reason to be.

I realized after making this guy that he is actually a Legba, who often sports the largest penis known to humankind and proudly displays the same. Here is an image of a traditional African Legba that illustrates this well:

Sometimes these traditional Legbas are called healing Legbas, or apologetic Legbas...and not because they have anything to be sorry for. Rather, they are approached with offerings and asked for forgiveness for transgressions. My Legba is a pure out and out sex God, yes he is. He is a favorite among my male customers who long for certain attributes. :)

A New Take on an Old Form of Voodoo Poppet

2008-06-01T13:10:00.000-07:00

This is my sacred clown doll, which was inspired by the sacred ceremonial clowns, called koshare, of the Native American Hopi Indians. This doll is created like the traditional Voodoo poppet, consisting of (in this instance) a cloth body stuffed with polyester batting and hand sewn. Some clowns have special relationships with the sun, as does my sacred clown doll. He is wearing a sun face shield, which I crafted out of polymer clay and painted, and attached numerous pheasant feathers around it. His face is hand-sculpted out of polymer clay and painted in a fashion reminiscent of the koshare.

Sacred clowns are a common archetype across many cultures, though they take on a variety of physical appearances. Typically they hold dual roles as trickster and teacher. Pueblo Clowns, also called sacred clowns, is a general term for jester or trickster in the Kachina religion practiced by the Pueblo Indians of southwestern America. Each sacred clown has its own particular role and belongs to separate secret societies or kivas, and each has a name that differs from one mesa or pueblo to another. There are five different types of clowns in the Hopi culture, and each (except the koshare) embodies a particular spirit. They perform during the spring and summer fertility rites. It is believed that when a member of a kiva wears the mask of a kachinam, he abandons his personality and becomes possessed by the spirit. The behavior of the sacred clown is typically comic, lewd, scatological, eccentric and alarming.

This art doll was a gift for a friend of mine who has a special understanding of the sacred clown. The photos leave a bit to be desired as I took them as an afterthought right before he left for his new home.

Voodoo-Doll-A-Day.com

2008-03-30T12:54:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I have posted anything here, though it has not been a while since I have created any Voodoo dolls. Recently I have been inspired by my friend Gretchen Little who has been on a quest to create 1001 hearts, one heart per day at a time. She was inspired by other artists who have taken the one a day concept and created paintings and what not. I recently found a guy who was creating a skull a day. I wish I could remember his name. In any event, it's not like I need anything more to do; rather, this is probably just sympomatic of my ADD and Aquarian nature. But, Gretchen just created a doodle lens at Squidoo and right before I checked it out I had been doodling a couple of Voodoo dolls with Paint Shop Pro. It hit me that I should do something with all of this Voodoo dolling that I do and what better way to channel it than through a Voodoo doll a day? So, I bought the domain name and here is my first Voodoo doodle doll.

New Voodoo Dolls You Tube Video

2008-02-15T08:09:00.000-08:00

Make Your Own Studio Voodoo Head

2008-02-08T12:20:00.000-08:00

Now these are very cool. No, they are not Voodoo dolls, but they are green Voodoo art and crafted by my favorite contemporary composer Koz Mraz of Studio Voodoo. Do you recognize the Studio Voodoo doll in the background? :)

The following is from the tutorial provided at Make Your Own Alien Studio Voodoo Head on Squidoo. You should go there to see the step by step photos that go with the tutorial.

Studio Voodoo Alien Heads
I created these 20 years ago and now they've become Green. Made from the recycled materials of 1 Gallon Milk Containers and metal coat hangers. Any plastic container with a handle works, Clorox bottles, Quart milk containers but the milk ones are translucent and backlight up nicely.

Find a large workspace, lay down some newspaper for the mess and gather the necessary materials.

1.Your clean gallon milk containers, the labels peel off easily
2. A variety of colored tissue paper, purchased anywhere inexpensively
3. A 2-3 inch paintbrush
4. Permanent marker
5. Box Cutter, razor knife for cutting the milk bottles (disclaimer: recommended for adults over the age of 18 Studio Voodoo clains no liability for any injury incurred while making Kozmos Alien Voodoo heads)
6. Elmer's Glue
7. Large Bowl
8. Metal coat hangers and pliers for bending them

First I turn the container upside down and on each side of the handle I draw the eye shapes with the marker then using the box cutter. Cut out the eye shapes and a large section behind the front for access for lighting effects later.

Next, I take a medium container of Elmer's glue and pour it into a bowl and add about a cup of warm water and mix thoroughly; basically we are making paper machete. At this point, I use the paintbrush and coat the front of the milk jug, lay over a sheet of tissue paper and paint over that again with the water/glue mixture. I repeat this with four to six sheets depending on the color I am looking for. Sometimes I even mix colors for effect. This gets pretty messy. When I am done, the excess tissue paper easily peels away from the plastic container and around the eye cutouts. Set it aside and repeat the process with a different colored tissue paper. They will be dry the next day. Making the coat hanger stands is tricky but the curved part of the coat hanger almost fits perfectly around the bottleneck so with some experimenting the stands can be easily made. I have detailed photos at my site. This could be a fun school project. If you pre cut all the bottles, students could make the heads and then even paint them to look like an African mask. I do this every Christmas and hang them on the Christmas tree. We celebrate Quanza here at the VoodooMansion.

Now, go check out more details and photos at Make Your Own Alien Studio Voodoo Head. Have fun!

Zombies, Voodoo dolls, and Valentines

2008-01-15T19:53:00.001-08:00

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The One Minute How-To Item #208: How to Make a Voodoo Doll

2008-01-03T17:21:00.001-08:00

I was recently asked to be on the One Minute How-To podcast. Each episode features someone who explains how to do something, but you only have 60 seconds to do so. This means that you have to get to the point quick sans embellishments and side comments. I have to admit it was quite the challenge to condense my rather lengthy tutorial down to one minute, but with the help of One Minute How-To's brainchild George Smythe, I was able to do so. This is a brilliant concept and a very well executed podcast that features a wide selection of how-tos, from how to be on time to how to avoid death by Powerpoint. So if you have a minute check out the One Minute How-To Item #208: How to Make a Voodoo Doll offered by yours truly.

Oya and her Rainbow

2007-12-29T17:43:00.000-08:00

The other day I noticed there was a rainbow coming into my house through the window. Ever the opportunist, I grabbed by two Oya Voodoo dolls and put them in the rainbow to charge them up. Here is a picture of one of the Voodoo dolls standing next to her rainbow. I think she is quite beautiful, don't you? (Click on the picture to see a larger pic).

Celebrate Yule with Voodoo Art Dolls from the Mystic Voodoo!

2007-12-14T14:23:00.001-08:00

I admit it, I have been touched by the spirit of the Jule nissen, the Scandinavian equivalent to Santa Claus (sort of...). In any event, I am having a Yuletide spectacular sale at the Mystic Voodoo where you have the chance to purchase one of these very cool Voodoo art dolls at half price or lower. I could call it my end of the year clearance sale, but Yuletide Spectacular sounds so much more exciting.

The first guy up for sale is this Woodland Moss Faery guy. Moss faeries are believed to have originated in Switzerland and possibly Germany. Some are even known to have come from the Islands and Africa. These ethereal creatures have butterfly wings attached to their bodies. They come in both female and male forms that are slender and human like. They are very shy. Human sightings are very rare especially as more woodland areas disappear to development.

The next Voodoo doll is that of Ogun, the Patron Loa of Fire, Hunting, Metals, Politics, War, and the Unemployed. Yes, he is a busy god with many responsibilities, the least of which is being the Father of technology. That's right, without Ogun, there would be no internet and no blogs. For this reason alone, Ogun rocks, wouldn't you say?

And then, there is the goddess of patience and wisdom, Gran Ibo, more commonly known as the Swamp Witch. Gran Ibo is the wise old woman of the swamp; she has experience of the ancient, the oldest of old, beyond memory, in the roots of the beginning of time. She sits and waits, watching and embracing the heart of the swamp. She holds the secrets of the mysteries that lie therein. She is the one who knows the magic and the medicine found within her little sisters who are the healing plants and herbs of the forest. She knows the power of the water. Through her, the roots, plants, herbs, and flowers of the swamp communicate to the voodooist.

Next we have the loa Gran Bwa (Big Wood) who is in love with his big, hard penis (no joke!)Gran Bwa is the Master of the Sacred Forest and the land to where the newly dead travel. He is the protector of all wild animals, knows the secrets of herbal medicine, and the secrets of magic hidden in the herbs.Gran Bois is a very loving loa with a great sense of humor and full of advice. Gran Bois can be petitioned for healing and prosperity and general advice. He is likened to Saint Sebastian and Saint Christopher in the Catholic tradition.

Oh there are more, so many more. But you have to visit the Mystic Voodoo to see them. So what are you waiting for? Go check them out...just to see the pictures is worth the visit.

The Mystic Voodoo

Studio Voodoo Doll

2007-12-06T08:43:00.000-08:00

All art is a form of self-expression, and is sometimes inspired by people, places, other art, music, or objects. I have been toying around for awhile to create a Voodoo doll for my friend Koz Mraz of Studio Voodoo. He has been kind enough to allow me the use of his music for any of my art endeavors, and I have taken advantage of that. I have used several tracks for my Voodoo doll videos at YouTube. In any event, Studio Voodoo's music is rhythmic, ethereal, conceptual, and many other things, but one thing is for sure, it bears little resemblance to anything else.

So, I created this Voodoo doll specifically for Studio Voodoo. The face was inspired from the mask on the home page of their website and the rest just made itself. Here are a couple of pics of my Studio Voodoo doll, and while I have a couple of tweaks to make on him, he will soon be traveling in a box to sunny California where he will reside with Koz and undoubtedly named something special.

BTW, you have to check out Studio Voodoo's Fire and a Prayer...they wrote a song about me a didn't even know it!

Voodoo Art and Brickfish Contests

2007-11-07T10:59:00.000-08:00

I need your help to finish graduate school! Please take a moment to view my entries to the Brickfish Show Me your Art 2 and Photography Blowout contests, and if you like what you see, vote for me. I really appreciate it as I need to win to pay for my tuition! Thank you!

Check it Out!

Population Explosion!

2007-10-25T12:57:00.000-07:00

Help! Kitties are everywhere!

Every year around this time I make a slew of my black cat charm doll familiars in celebration of one of the most iconic images of Halloween and New Orleans Voodoo - the black cat. Indeed, the black cat is considered to be the most powerful animal in New Orleans Voodoo, bringing massive good luck in matters of money, gambling, and general financial success. It has not always been this way, however.

In Western history, black cats have often been looked upon as a symbol of evil omens: in other cultures, they are considered to be good omens. In New Orleans Voodoo, black cats have been the subject of controversial sacrifice in the past, particularly with regards to finding the one bone in the body that is all powerful.

The abuse of black cats for sacrificial and ritual reasons is no longer practiced nor encouraged in New Orleans. On the contrary, they are viewed as good luck in hoodoo, particularly regarding gambling matters, such as playing cards or the lottery.

These black cat Voodoo poppets are loaded with charms, beads, buttons, and what-nots to bring you the best of luck in all of your endeavors! They are stuffed with aromatic, magickal herbs to bring you the best of luck and happiness. Each cat comes with catnip to use as an offering, 7 removable whisker pins, and instructions for use as a focusing tool in meditation. To purchase, visit the Mystic Voodoo.

Day of the Dead Bride and Groom

2007-10-19T04:58:00.000-07:00

Here are the latest Day of the Dead creations - Catrin and Catrina newlyweds. These two calaveras will be featured in a new book called Day of the Dead Crafts, that will soon be released by Cantata Books and Wiley Press.
Artwork Name: Catrin and Catrina Bride and Groom Calaveras
Description: This Day of the Dead Voodoo doll couple is made in honor of Catrin and Catrina, made popular by renowned author, journalist and political cartoonist Guadalupe Posada, (1852-1913). The names Catrin and Catrina mean "dapper," and they reflect the fashions of the times.

Materials used: Sticks, Spanish moss, acrylic paint, beads, fabric, lace, and polymer clay.
How it was crafted: This smart-looking couple were made combining the traditional styles of New Orleans Voodoo folk art and contemporary Mesoamerican decorative design.

Inspiration: I am inspired by the humor and whimsy associated with death that this art form portrays. I am inspired by the myth and archetype of Spanish and Indigenous cultures. Day of the Dead art takes death out of its shadow and into the beauty of spirit; it is a means of honoring our ancestors in a manner that is celebratory and lighthearted.

Your experience: As a New Orleans native and the daughter of two of the best artists in the world, I was exposed to a wide variety of art forms from the time I was old enough to be aware. My father was a formally trained medical illustrator (Donald Alvarado, he illustrated the Gray's Anatomy among other things) and my mother was largely a self taught painter of folk art, nature, and mystical imagery. I have held a paintbrush since I was old enough to walk, and have worked in a variety of mediums throughout my lifetime, including pen and ink, painting, mosaic, beaded jewelry, Voodoo art, and crafting art dolls.

What draws you to Day of the Dead art? Día de los Muertos is a holiday rooted in the ancient past of Mesoamerica, which has rich historical imagery. My ancestors were in awe of the eternal cycle of life and death and honored those who passed on with great feasts, sacrifice, ritual, dance, and sacred art that depicted their beliefs and customs. I come by this traditional art form honestly through my earliest traceable ancestors, Aztec King Xicotencotl of Tlaxcala and Pedro de Alvarado, the Spanish conquistador. When I create Day of the Dead art, I pay homage to my ancestors and to the many indigenous people who were killed by war and lost in the process of colonization. May the flame of life smile upon the darkness of death!

Frida Kahlo Day of the Dead Doll

2007-10-13T19:07:00.000-07:00

Frida Kahlo was a Mexican artist whose paintings were influenced by the indigenous cultures of Mexico, as well as European influences. Her paintings were vibrant in color with vivid imagery and incorporated elements of realisim, surrealism and symbolism. Frida was married to world famous Mexican painter Diego Rivera. She has achieved great international popularity especially since the 1970s. Frida Kahlo is the subject of many Day of the Dead artists, who portray her in paintings, murals, and calaveras, the popular Day of the Dead dolls.

This Day of the Dead altar doll is my tribute to Frida Kahlo, the great "woman of women". She is created in my unique conjure art tradition, combining the tradition of the Aztec calavera with New Orleans Voodoo art. She measures approximately 8 inches including the feathers on her head. She is wearing vintage lace and ribbons, and adorned with flowers, feathers, and rhinestones. She comes signed for authenticity.

Here, she is shown with her husband, the world famous Diego Rivera.

Both Day of the Dead dolls are available from my website, The Mystic Voodoo.

Voodoo Vampire Doll

2007-10-07T10:47:00.000-07:00

Vampires are said to be mythological or folkloric creatures that exist on the essence of humans and/or animals. This Vampire Voodoo doll is inspired by the mystical vampire archetype.

Typically, vampires are cadavers that have been reanimated and who feed by consuming the blood of living beings. In folklore, the term usually refers to the blood-drinking humans of Eastern European legends, and similar legendary creatures from other regions and cultures. Some cultures have stories of non-human vampires, including real animals such as bats, dogs, spiders, and mythical creatures such as the chupacabra of Mexican origin. While the characteristics of vampires vary widely among different cultures, it is commonly believed that one gains supernatural powers through the consumption of human blood.

This Vampire voodoo doll is created in what I have coined the New Orleans Voodoo Hoodoo conjure art tradition out of Spanish moss and sticks. He is a human/bat cross and measures approximately 7 x 2 inches. He is dressed in a black velvet robe, and his face is hand sculpted out of polymer clay and painted. He has an authentic Swarovski crystal on his forehead, which is one of my trademarks. He is self standing and comes signed by the artist for authenticity.

Now up for auction at ebay!

Day of the Dead Skull Art

2007-09-30T13:03:00.001-07:00

Día de los Muertos is a holiday rooted in the ancient past of Mesoamerica. My ancestors were in awe of the eternal cycle of life and death and believed in the need for sacrifice to assure the continuation of life. The Aztecs of past honored those who have passed on with great feasts, sacrifice, ritual, dance, and sacred art that depicted their beliefs and customs. After the trauma of the Spanish conquest, their beliefs persisted by adapting them to the holidays of the Christian calendar. Although much of the ancient indigenous religions were lost, the core aspect of the days of the dead was kept. This core consists of the altar with offerings to the dead.

Many of the symbols found on the altars of today are the result of the melding of Spanish and indigenous art and religion. The indigenous cross of the four cardinal points became the Christian cross, and the Tree of Life became the Garden of Eden. The Spanish brought elements of the Feast of Fools associated with carnival (farewell to flesh) where everything is open to ridicule, mockery, and lightheartedness. Everything is equal in death; no one escapes its inevitability. This is where the humor and whimsy associated with today’s los Días de los Muertos in all likelihood stems from.

During the latter part of the colonial period, the people began making brightly colored sugar –candy skulls and exchanging them between family and friends as tokens of affection. These became common items alongside the image of Guadalupe, flowers, water, bread, and copal. Skeleton dolls made of clay and paper maché were made depicting people in everyday activities. These dolls soon became a part of tradition. I come by this tradition honestly through the lineage of my father, King Xicotencotl of Tlaxcala and Pedro de Alvarado, the Spanish conquistador.

Pictured are some painted skulls from which I will soon be making calaveras. This is a time consuming and tedious process, so I try to make a few skulls first and then put them together in doll form. My style of making Day of the Dead dolls is unique because I combine the traditional New Orleans Voodoo art style of a base of sticks and Spanish moss for the body. I then dress them in fancy colors and I typically create skull heads with brightly colored designs.

Visit Day of the Dead Altar Art for more pictures of my Day of the Dead art.

Pumpkins and Fairies and Loas, Oh My!

2007-09-21T15:05:00.000-07:00

Pictured is Ma'man Brigit, Fairy Ju Ju guy, and the Great Pumpkin Voodoo dolls - three of my latest creations.

Ma'aman Brigit is the Voodoo loa of the cemeteries, money, and the dead. She is also summoned when you have been the victim of dark magic.

Fairy Ju Jus are butterfly fairies with the ability to fly, cast spells and to influence or foresee the future. This guy has his bottle of fairy dust ready to do his magic at a moment's notice.

I made the Great Pumpkin Voodoo doll to celebrate the up and coming Halloween holiday...my favorite holiday of the year.

Here is a close up of Ma'man Brigit's face. I am very pleased with how she came out. I think she is one of my most beautiful creations. How would you like to meet those luscious lips when you cross over to the other side! Ma'man Brigit is the exotic dancer of the Voodoo, easily seducing anyone in her presence through her sexual dancing.

Fairy Ju Ju guy is really a butterfly fairy. Butterfly fairies are sometimes called the moss people. These lovely creatures have butterfly wings attached to their bodies and come in both female and male forms that are slender and human like. They are very shy. Human sightings are very rare especially as more woodland areas disappear to development. I was inspired to make him in part because I think there needs to be more fairies of color, and in part because I had this awesome pod that was perfect for a fairy hat.

The Great Pumpkin Voodoo doll was inspired by the Great Pumpkin of Peanuts fame. Linus sits in the pumpkin patch waiting for the Great Pumpkin to appear with hopes that he will fly through the air and deliver toys to all the good little children. The mystical side of the Pumpkin archetype goes way back to the pagan belief that evil spirits roamed the earth and returned to their homes at winter time. Jack was a man who was not welcome in heaven or hell when he died, and destined to roam the earthly world. He carried a carved pumpkin - hence the term, "Jack'o Lantern". Celts followed this practice of placing carved pumpkins, potatoes, rutabagas, and turnips in their windows and doors to ward off evil spirits.
This Great Pumpkin was created as a slightly pudgy Voodoo doll out of sticks and Spanish moss, and his face is hand sculpted out of polymer clay. He has a beaded vine coming from the stem of his head which drapes around his body and neck.

Swamp Granny Hoodoo Gator

2007-09-18T14:38:00.000-07:00

Hoodoo revolves around veneration of water spirits, the least of which is one of Louisiana's most ancient residents – the ALLIGATOR. This Swamp Granny Hoodoo Gator carries with her the essence of the most traditional of rootwork ingredients, and is the keeper of ancient wisdom.

Swamp Granny Hoodoo Gator is one of my favorite creations. She is constructed in the traditional New Orleans fashion out of Spanish moss and sticks, and her face is hand sculpted out of polymer clay and painted. She has an evil eye bead on top of her head to ward off evil and negativity. A piece of vintage lace drapes over her head. A turtle sits on her shoulder and she wears a necklace of a number of symbolic talismans. She is rather large, measuring approximately 14.5 x 6 inches. As with all of my pieces, she comes signed by me for authenticity.

To see more Hoodoo Voodoo dolls, check out the Mystic Voodoo. There you can see my Hoodoo Root doctors and witchdoctors, as well as a complete line of Voodoo dolls and Voodoo art dolls.

Voodoo Virgin

2007-09-15T16:15:00.000-07:00

I came across this article and thought it was worthwhile noting. It talks about how a religious group in Ontario is protesting a documentary that features Argentinian artists who make powerful social statements through their art. One of the artists apparently has a rendering of the Virgin Mary as a Voodoo doll, which is one of the pieces causing an uproar. You can read the whole story here.

Indeed, religion and politics have always been a powerful influence in the creative processes of many artists. In the Voodoo Pantheon, there is an important group of female goddesses whose first name is Erzulie. Erzulie is three in aspect: she can be Erzulie Freda, a virgin goddess likened to the Virgin Mary; Erzulie Dantor, patron loa of lesbian women and protector of women and children who have been abused; or La Siren, a personification of the sea and goddess of motherhood. Erzulie Erzulie Dantor, is often depicted as the Black Madonna (pictured)or the Roman Catholic "Saint Barbara Africana". My rendering of Erzulie Dantor as a Voodoo doll displays the same scars on her cheek as the Black Madonna.

Erzulie’s personal story is a tragedy. She was a warrioress who fought with her people during the Haitian revolution. However, her own people cut out her tongue so that she would not tell their secrets should she be captured. Thus, she is mute and can only speak a stammering monosyllable, "ke-ke-ke-ke-ke!" This is the sound of her tongue clicking on the roof of her mouth. She is often pictured with her daughter Anais, who serves as her translator and interpreter.

Read more about Erzulie here.

mystic voodoo

Ma'man Brigit

2007-09-13T16:56:00.000-07:00

In Vodou, Ma'man Brigit (Grann Brigitte, Manman, Manman Brigit, Manman Brijit) is the mother of cemetaries, the loa of money and death, and the wife of Baron Samedi. She may be related to the "triple" Celtic goddess of poetry, smithcraft, and healing, Brigid/St. Brigit, as her name is Irish in origin. She is usually depicted as a white woman. The first woman's grave in a cemetery in Haiti is dedicated to her. Her colors are black, purple and white, her number is nine, and her particular days of service include Monday and Saturday. Her sacrificial animal is a black chicken. She drinks rum laced with hot peppers - "gaz lakrimojen Ayisyen" (Haitian tear gas), and like her husband and the rest of the Guede Spirits, she is a "potty mouth" and uses profanity. Ma'man Brigit will protect gravestones if they are marked properly with a cross. Ma'man Brigit is known to rub her private parts with hot peppers, and those who appear to be faking possession by her in a Vodou ceremony may be subjected to this test, which they obviously would not pass if their possession is not genuine. She is a very sexual dancer, and her skill in the banda dance is legendary.

Ma'man Brigit is one of my best selling dolls. To make a Ma'man Brigit Voodoo art doll, I start with the basic two sticks and Spanish moss and then I wrap her in white vintage laces. I craft her face out of polymer clay and give her a white complexion and bright red lips, pointing to her Celtic roots. I try to make her very beautiful, as that is the way she comes to me. Her hair is made from fancy yarns and Spanish moss, and I drape more lace over her head and shoulders. She wears a necklace with a lamp-worked glass skull bead, signifying her relationship with the dead.

To learn how to make your own Voodoo doll, please visit The Mystic Voodoo.

Read more about Ma'man Brigit...

mystic voodoo

Niche Voodoo: Getting Traffic for Voodoo Dolls

2007-09-13T16:55:00.000-07:00

Niche Voodoo: Getting Traffic for Voodoo Dolls

Ju Ju Guardian Charm Doll

2007-09-08T06:20:00.000-07:00

In my never-ending quest to remain original and innovative within the realms of tradition, I decided to break free from the usual creation of Voodoo dolls with Spanish moss and sticks. This time, I used red raffia.

I often get emails from people asking "Do I have to use Spanish moss?" and "Where can I find it?" While I have made countless Voodoo dolls out of materials other than Spanish moss, I usually try to incorporate the moss as a sort of trademark. The use of Spanish moss is a decidedly New Orleans thing, and is a perfect example of how you make Voodoo dolls out of what is readily at hand. In New Orleans and Louisiana in general, Spanish moss is part of the natural world. It can be found in parks in the big oak trees and along the bayous in the cypress trees. It is plentiful, a little creepy when applied to doll making, and perfect for making the powerful Voodoo hoodoo dolls that are uniquely New Orleans.

This guy is a ju ju guardian charm doll. A ju ju is an object that is used to keep evil and negativity at bay. Ju ju guardian dolls are typically placed somewhere in the front of the home or by an entrance. I adorn my ju ju guardian dolls with a number of charms; hence, the title, Ju Ju Guardian Charm Doll.

You never used to see this style of doll outside of New Orleans, but now you can find people making them that are from anywhere. It is apparent that many of my creations are influencing others; this is evident in their titles and appearance (you know who you are). They say imitation is the sincerest from of flattery. I agree and love that my art can inspire others. That is what art is about, after all. To create an emotional response in others, to move people to think differently about the world. However, I actually ran across someone who copied one of my entire lenses at Squidoo and pasted it - pictures and all - into her blog. Without giving me any kind of credit, mind you. That is what is irritating. It took me hours to create that tutorial, the content is mine under Federal Copyright laws. So, if you plan to use any of my material, including the names of my dolls, please give me credit. I always give credit where credit is due. It would be nice (and legal) if others did the same.

Okay, that was my rant for the morning. Now feast your eyes on my wonderful new creation, made out of raffia, feathers, beads, fancy yarns, charms, and polymer clay. He has bright red lips and a crystal on his forehead, which is one of my trademarks. He is quite the gay fellow, isn't he?

To purchase one of my ju ju guardian charm dolls, head on over to the Mystic Voodoo, where art, psychology, and mythology collide!

mystic voodoo

Gran Bois

2007-08-28T06:32:00.000-07:00

The Gran Bois is one of my favorite Voodoo loas to create as an art doll. The Gran Bois (Big Wood) is the Master of the Sacred Forest of the Island Below the Waters, which is the place where the loa call home. This is the land to where the newly dead travel. He is the protector of all wild animals, knows the secrets of herbal medicine, and the secrets of magic hidden in the herbs. He is likened to Saint Sebastian and Saint Christopher in the Catholic tradition.

I made this Voodoo doll out of sticks and Spanish moss and adorned him with beads, yarn, and feathers. His face is hand sculpted out of translucent polymer clay that I mixed with blue foil to get the look that is decidedly his. His lips and eyebrows are painted and his eyes are made of beads. He has an authentic Swarovski crystal on his forehead, and an evil eye bead on his head to ward off negativity. These two latter touches are my trademarks.

mystic voodoo

Everything you ever wanted to know about Zombies but were afraid to ask!

2007-08-13T21:50:00.001-07:00

Just as the title states, this lens discusses the origin of zombies, types of zombies, zombie archetypes, how to fight zombie hoards, becoming a zombie, how to destroy a zombie, and on and on. Also is a list of most popular zombie books, games, and movies. Check it out!

read more | digg story

mystic voodoo

Secrets of the LOA: How to Voodoo with Voodoo Dolls

2007-08-03T12:39:00.000-07:00

Secrets of the LOA: How to Voodoo with Voodoo Dolls

This is the long-awaited book every voodoo doll lover needs and wants because it tells you pretty much everything you ever wanted to know about voodoo dolls but were afraid to ask. From how to make a voodoo doll, to the history of voodoo dolls, to how to make a voodoo poppet, including several patterns, how to use a voodoo doll, and about ten spells to use specifically with voodoo dolls. This ebook is complete with illustrated instructions.

mystic voodoo

How to Voodoo with Voodoo Dolls

2007-08-03T11:15:00.001-07:00

Everything you ever wanted to know about Voodoo dolls but were afraid to ask! Now there's an ebook available for all to learn the secrets of how to voodoo with voodoo dolls.

read more | digg story

mystic voodoo

YouTube Debut

2007-04-20T08:35:00.000-07:00

Okay, it had to happen. I finally made my first video for YouTube called...you guessed it "How to make a Voodoo Doll". Check it out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PKDs8-8cGc

Studio Voodoo was kind enough to allow me the use of their music. Please take a moment to comment and rate. I appreciate all feedback!

Blessings,

VoodooMama

mystic voodoo

Make your Own Voodoo Doll

2007-04-12T11:34:00.000-07:00

The first thing to know about making your own Voodoo doll is that pretty much anything goes. Just like art in all of its forms, the art of voodoo doll making is subject to the whims of it's creator. So you want to learn how to make your own Voodoo doll New Orleans style? Well, you need to check out this link How to make a Voodoo Doll. I have been told it is the best available on the web, and from what I have seen, I tend to agree. :)

Here's another site that provides details about making a Voodoo doll, but from quite the different angle. In this article, Starfields tells of her process of making a Voodoo doll, poppet, as well as how to do a Voodoo chakra spell.

Voyage Into Voodoo

More later...

Blessings,

Voodoomama
The Mystic Voodoo
Planet Voodoo

Photographing Voodoo Art Dolls

2007-04-12T11:05:00.000-07:00

Aside from the issue of making quality art dolls, and in particlaur to this blog, quality Voodoo art dolls, there is the issue of presentation. Going into this art form already has its hurdles; yet to overcome these hurdles, one must attempt to capture the beauty and essence of these dolls as they appear in real life. They say a picture is worth a thousand words...well, not if you don't know how to take one!

One of the the things I consider when taking pictures of my Voodoo dolls is their presentation. Sometimes I will photograph them in a setting that is unique to their story or mythology, for lack of a better term. For example, in this picture is Orunla, the Voodoo God of Wisdom. He happens to like alligators so I photographed him with one to set the context and to provide interest. Other times, I will photograph them alone, as if it were a portait (see Ochosi on the right). Sometimes they look better with a print background, and other times, a solid one. There are numerous opinions about how to take the best picture, but I just go with what looks the best in the end. One thing, however, is the fact that it often takes numerous pictures just to get one or two that look as striking as is necessary to represent and sell the doll.

Check this resouce out for more information: Doll Photography Made Easy! A Comprehensive Guide To Photographing Dolls (or Anything Else) For EBay(R)!

Here is another resource for lovers of arts and crafts:
Arts and Crafts Mega-Zine Use Mixed Media, Papercrafts, Textiles, Polymer Clay, Jewelry Making And More As A Transformative Tool For Self-development And Creative Expression. Written By Arts Industry Experts.

That's all for now.

Blessings,

Voodoo Mama
http://www.mysticvoodoo.com
http://www.planetvoodoo.com

The Art of Making Voodoo Dolls

2007-04-11T17:28:00.000-07:00

At first mention, the words "voodoo dolls" conjure up images of ugly, scary looking things suitable only for sticking with pins, burying, or burning. Indeed, there probably isn't a more stereotypical image of Voodoo than that of a doll stuck with pins filled with evil intent towards an unsuspecting victim. Thanks to Hollywood and the media, Voodoo in all of it's forms (Haitian, African, New Orleans, Cuban, Brazilian, etc.), is publicly shrouded with a black veil of misunderstanding, ignorance, and fear. The core religious and spiritual aspect of Voodoo is portrayed as Satanic and evil, and the Voodoo doll is the consummate oppressive mascot.

As a Native born New Orleanian Voodoo artist, I have created this blog to provide a forum for discussing the art of Voodoo, and more specifically, the art of Voodoo doll making. Frankly, I am tired of seeing the prevailing image of the sinister Voodoo doll, and will provide a glimpse into another side of Voodoo; the incredible healing potential of Voodoo as a spiritual practice and avenue for creative artistic expression.

The use of Voodoo dolls, gris-gris, and mojo in hexes and curses in New Orleans reportedly peaked during the reign of the infamous Marie Laveau, the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans. The origin of the practice of sticking pins into dolls as a curse can be found in European poppets and West and Central African nkisi or bocios. It has been suggested that making Voodoo dolls and sticking them with pins was one way in which slaves exercised some form of control over their masters. The malevolent use of Voodoo dolls is considered a form of Bokor (Black) Voodoo that perpetuates the damaging stereotypes associated with Voodoo. Today, many practitioners of the Voodoo religion make a concerted effort to disassociate from the malevolent use of Voodoo dolls, and instead create and use them for positive purposes. Approximately 90% of the use of Voodoo dolls is centered on healing, finding true love, spiritual guidance, and as focusing tools in meditation. In New Orleans, Voodoo dolls are largely sold as souvenirs, curios, and novelty items.

I come from the Deep South, New Orleans to be exact, and so my Voodoo dolls are created in the traditional Voodoo doll fashion out of 2 sticks and a handfull of Spanish moss. I consider myself a conjure artist, whereby I summon a spirit to be created or I am summoned by a spirit to be created. The result is often a surprise, and the process of creating a Voodoo doll is a dynamic and magickal one.

To learn step by step how to make your very own Voodoo doll in the New Orleans conjure art tradition, visit my website The Mystic Voodoo.

More later...

Blessings,

Voodoo Mama