Ancient people could not explain many phenomena. Therefore, over many generations, they created fetishes and totems to protect against external forces or to maintain contact with ancestors, in whose help they were sure. In our review, there are 10 amulets and charms that, in their eerie appearance, should have helped their owner.
1. Kuman tong
In 2012, a Briton was arrested at the airport after being found in his possession … six human embryos that he bought in Thailand and hoped to resell at a much higher price. Where did such unusual “souvenirs” come from in Thailand? Everything is explained simply - in this country they believe that Kuman Thong (golden child) dolls bring wealth and good luck to their owner. And such talismans are created using black magic. In ancient manuscripts, the methods for creating the Kuman Tong were described in detail. Adepts of occult sciences cut out the fetus of an unborn dead baby from the mother's womb, after which they performed a ritual on it in the cemetery, dedicating the Kuman Tong to a specific purpose. The body was fried until dry, while the Kata spells were recited over it. The resulting mummy was covered with a special varnish and gold leaf.
2. Dogu
Unfortunately, the real purpose of the dogu is unknown, but it is assumed that these figurines had ritual significance for their owners. They are still found in ancient tombs in Japan, and a total of 18,000 clay figurines have been discovered depicting people or animals in an abstract form. The oldest dogu date back to the Jomon period (12th millennium BC). Their sizes vary greatly - from 1 meter to 20 centimeters.
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3. Witch's ladders
Such an unusual name has a witchcraft instrument that supposedly can perform different functions. They were mainly used as powerful talismans for personal gain or to induce damage.
In fact, the witch's ladder is a rope with spell knots tied on it. The first witch's ladder was found in the late 19th century, but it is believed that they have existed for centuries.
4. Congolese crucifixion
When Christianity appeared in Africa, local sorcerers borrowed crucifixion from this religion for their own purposes. Congolese crucifixes differ significantly from Christian ones - the figure on the cross has bulging eyes, and legs are brought together (it is believed that such a posture increases spiritual strength). Also, as a rule, 2 more figures of people are depicted on the crossbar, who seem to be praying. The Christian cross has become a protective talisman and fetish in the Congo. It is believed to help with almost anything from drought relief to increasing fertility. In the Congo, where the local population voluntarily converted to Christianity in 1491, a new religion was actually born, as local rituals and beliefs were added to traditional Christianity.
5. Singiti
Similar statues of men have been placed in temples in the Congo for centuries. They were thought to cement the relationship between the present and the past. Also, they tried to get a Singiti statuette in any home - it was created in honor of the respected ancestor of the family. It was believed that her presence in the house helped the spirit of the ancestor to influence the lives of their descendants. Singiti have a very distinctive appearance: their eyes are half-closed, and the faces of these talismans express serenity. The protruding forehead of such figurines symbolizes the knowledge accumulated by the ancestors.
6. Gopi boards
Gopi boards are one of the hallmarks of Papua New Guinea. Such boards, which are made from old canoes, are carved with stylized human faces and round navels. It is believed that such boards contain protective spirits that enter the gopis just through the carved navels. Sacred boards also symbolize the connection between the past and the present and can be infused with the spirits of nature or the spirits of ancestors. The gopis are used only in ceremonies, and at other times they are hidden. Large planks are used by the gopis as amulets for buildings, and small planks are intended to protect boys from the evil forces who have not yet been initiated into men.
7. Billiken
Some dolls and fetishes don't take centuries of tradition to become popular. In fact, very little is known about the American figurine that brings good luck and “shows the true essence of things”. In 1908, art teacher and illustrator Florence Pretz patented a design for a creepy little man she named Billiken. It is also known that literally within six months in 1910, this little man "conquered America." His images began to be used everywhere - dolls in the form of Billiken, candies and canned food and drinks with his image appeared. More than 100 years later, people still believe that the Billiken statuette will bring them good luck.
8. Mossi dolls
Mossi women and girls in West Africa have a very unusual tradition of dolls. When a doll is presented to a young girl, they try to make her as much like her as possible, cutting out the smallest facial features and even hair. When a doll is presented to a woman, the wrinkles are cut out on it. With such dolls, which are called bliga or "baby", they spend a lot of time, they are fed and washed. They are looked after like real children. Moreover, the doll is even "brought up" as a child. It is believed that the more diligently a woman handles a doll, the more successful it will be when she has children of her own. Women who get married but do not intend to have children often use such dolls, as they are believed to have a direct connection with her own ancestors.
9. Mbulenga
Mbulenga is a term for carved figures holding a vessel with one hand. It is believed that they can bring good luck to a child who is turned to face. Usually, such figures are made from the bark of a sacred tree, the red feathers of a gray parrot, and the hair of an albino woman. Such figures are sacred to the Bens Lulua people who live near the Lulua River in the Congo. Mbulenga is made from special magical ingredients and kaolin immediately after the baby is born.
10. Tsantsa
Tsantsa - heads dried in a special way. Their facial features are preserved, but their heads become the size of a fist. Such talismans are made by the Shuar and Zhivaro people in South America. The skin is removed from the severed head and the skull is taken out, while trying to be sure to save the face. Then the skin removed from the head is boiled in boiling water (not for long, so as not to damage the hair). Then the head is dried and stuffed with hot sand with stones in order to finally clean out the remnants of the fabric. Then the head is boiled again and dried afterwards, and so about 10 times. In this case, the skin shrinks and the head becomes small, and the hair remains in its original form. After making such an amulet, the eyelids of the head are sewn together so that the spirit of the murdered person cannot see that new owner and take revenge. The lips of the tsantsa are also sewn together so that the spirit cannot ask for help.
