Madame Laveau Voodoo Kit

Picture of Madame Laveau, a rosary I made while at a Communion retreat, healing oil my family received as a Christmas gift, ancient bobby pins found in my bathroom cabinet, hair tie recently bought from Target, feather that angels have left behind (family superstition), sage from smudging the house, draw string bag that once contained some change, bone from a rack of ribs because my mom did not make chicken soup that week, a small voodoo doll made from branches outside my house and embroidery floss.  

Box is 1/2 in x 2 3/8 in, various dimensions inside

2018

I came across my friend’s small Catholic prayer box made from an Altoids tin. The tin contained an upcycled and vintage statuette of Mary with baby Jesus, a rosary, and a cross medallion. Pasted on the interior were worn images of some saints and angels. ­­­I started to question the significance of the objects. Is this prayer box used regularly or a collection of magical items to be used in dire circumstances? While still in my New Orleans phase, I thought about what objects would go into a New Orleans Voodoo prayer box. I wanted the objects that I choose to have significance. I became interested in Dario Robleto’s installations for the materials/object in his pieces. When identifying his materials, he lists his materials as “thread and fabric from soldiers’ uniforms from various wars, lace and fabric from a mourning dress, hair flowers braided by a Civil War widow,”[i] etc. Robleto’s use of unbelievable materials transforms the piece to speak about history and nostalgia.

The materials used in my Voodoo prayer box speaks about history and nostalgia but even represent the present. Historically, items like the bone, draw string bag, and sage could be used for gris-gris talismans, which are kept for good luck or to ward off evil. The hair tie and bobby pins to represent Madame Laveau’s career as a hairdresser for the wealthy. The rosary, healing oil, and feathers to represent Catholic beliefs adapted into the Voodoo culture. Although it would be amazing to have a chicken bone from the 1880s, I choose to describe my materials in a relatable way. These memories are not just exclusive to me, but others can recall a time in their lives where they received a strange Christmas present or have a family superstition. Memories make objects become alive, making them more interesting, more relevant and imbued with meaning. 

[i] Quote description from Dario Robleto’s Obsequies in Albany, Nurses Needed Now.