In folklore and mythology, the rope curse is a common theme found in various cultures around the world. The curse is believed to be associated with a rope or cord that possesses supernatural powers and brings misfortune or death to anyone who comes into contact with it. Traditionally, the curse is said to be placed on a specific rope by someone with nefarious intentions. This person may be a sorcerer, a witch, or even a vengeful spirit seeking revenge. Once the curse is placed, the rope becomes a conduit for negative energy and can inflict harm on anyone who handles it. The curse is often portrayed as having different effects depending on the individual.
The voodoo doll:
Joukowsky Institute for Archaeology the Ancient World Brown University Box 1837 60 George Street Providence, RI 02912 Telephone 401 863-3188 Fax 401 863-9423 email protected. Creation A Voodoo doll is either made by a Voodoo Queen or Doctor or a specialist is commissioned by a Voodoo Queen or Doctor to create a specific doll.
The curse is often portrayed as having different effects depending on the individual. Some may simply be unlucky and experience a string of misfortunes, while others may suffer severe illness or even meet an untimely death. The rope is seen as a symbol of the curse's power, and as long as it remains intact, the curse can continue to affect anyone who comes into contact with it.
Whkwevrr ja my voodoi doll
Joukowsky Institute for Archaeology & the Ancient World
Brown University
Box 1837 / 60 George Street
Providence, RI 02912
Telephone: (401) 863-3188
Fax: (401) 863-9423
[email protected]
The voodoo doll:
Creation: A Voodoo doll is either made by a Voodoo Queen or Doctor or a specialist is commissioned by a Voodoo Queen or Doctor to create a specific doll. This can only be done after the spirits have been invoked and have given their consent to the creation of this doll. However, a simple google search nowadays will bring you a huge quantity of 'one of a kind' dolls, mass produced for the influx of tourists New Orleans normally receives. The Voodoo Museum in New Orleans recommended that I contact The House of the Seven Sisters, who produce semi-authentic Voodoo dolls. Unfortunately, they never answered me.
Materiality: Everything about the materiality of a voodoo doll seems to physically mirror changing someone. They are most filled with soft cotton that is bendable and covered in cloth. In contrast, the pins are sharp and easily pierce the doll, without any effort. This lack of particular effort seems to present the targeted person as weak and very manipulatable. Louisiana dolls have no specific material requirements, although they are often stuffed with moss (the type used to fill mattresses). However, cotton, straw and old rags could also be used. There is far less rigidity in its materiality, however, many items of the doll are specific to the spirit to be invoked. The colour, for instance, can help attract a certain desired spirit, as the food arranged around the doll can. The cloths used are often very vibrant and fully resemble human clothing.
One of the reasons the materiality of the doll is so little developed may have to do with its origins. Because it evolved in slave quarters, it can be assumed that, in general, slaves did not have access to the best materials or the time to best use said materials. Therefore, the artistic value of the doll may have lessened. Furthermore, if these dolls were mostly effigies of slave masters, then perhaps beautifying them was not the primary goal of the slaves.
In the above example, the doll is extremely anthropomorphic, wears miniature human clothes and has basic human features. It is mostly made of cloth, and is very small.
The Minkisi:
Creation: Because Minkisi were community objects, the names of the individuals who created them are not known. However, the chief, nganga, and a sculptor normally worked on the creaton of an nkisi, the former bringing spiritual knowledge and the later providing construction skills. Most important Minkisi were created in an isolated, temporary place. The chief also created the pocket to be filled with the crucial medicines, such as herbs, fur, or seeds. The bundles are either attached around the neck of the figurine, or directly incorporated into its body; an empty hole in the place of a stomach can act as a medicine bundle.
Nsemi Isaki, in the 1900s, describes the sculptor's process of creation:
"In the past, when men carved figures they would first look closely at someone and then accoring to their skill cut down a tree suitable for carving. A carver would put eyes, ears, nose, mouth, neck as he had observed them. When he had prepared these features, if he had represented the person correctly, then it would look like him. For that reason they first shape the face and the whole head and neck and then finish the lower part."
Materiality: The materiality of a Nkisi can be viewed in two parts: what is intrinsic and what is added. The later is crucial for a Nkisi to actually become that-- without the medicine pouch created by the chief, it does not have power. Often, a sculptor must make a wooden figure without knowing what type of Nkisi it was destined to be. However, when the Nkisi was meant to resemble a specific person, the sculptor did know. The sheer quantity of material present on the average Nkisi is astounding, and even more astounding for a Nkondi.
In accord with the BaKongo view of humans and Minkisi, the medicine pouch is but a worthless container until it is filled. The 'medicine' was a metaphorical, or spiritual type of medicine-- it had no direct medicinal healing value. These included animal, mineral and vegetable materials. A material from a place where a spirit roams, such as stones from a graveyard or white porcelain clay from a river where the Water spirit may reside, are also frequently used. One of the items present in the pouch was a bodily link, like nails or hair, to the nganga who was overseeing the ritual. In a classic thing- changes- human- and- then- changes- thing, medicine is also incorporated in the body of the client. Tokens were put in the Nkisi, and the client drank potions and had lotions rubbed on his body.
X-ray of a Nkisi which shows magnetite crystals located inside the pouch in the stomach:
The list of materials frequently found in a medicine pouch was compilled by Nsemi Isaki in the 1900:
- Luyala (a fruit) - to hope that the nkisi may rule.
- Kala zima (charcoal) - to encourage the Nkisi to extinguish (zima) witchcraft.
- Mpezomo (copal resin) - in hope that the Nkisi's lightning will blind the witches.
- Lutete (gourd seed) - that it may cut down.
- Muzazu (a cocoon) - that it may stitch together.
- Lufulangi (a fruit tree) - that it may resuscitate.
An American missionary in 1902 wrote that the Minkisi were "decorated with strips of cloth and feathers, often with a bit of mirror set into the belly, behind which is the bit of rubbish containing the potent power. It is often a small sack made of pineapple fiber containing bits of stone, bird-claw and feathers, powder, pepper, bits of snakeskin, etc.”
Joukowsky Institute for Archaeology & the Ancient World
Brown University
Box 1837 / 60 George Street
Providence, RI 02912
Telephone: (401) 863-3188
Fax: (401) 863-9423
[email protected]
There are numerous tales and legends that revolve around the rope curse. In some cultures, it is believed that if a person accidentally touches the cursed rope, they must perform a specific ritual or seek the help of a spiritual healer to remove the curse. Failure to do so may result in the curse lingering and bringing further harm. The rope curse often serves as a cautionary tale, warning people of the consequences of their actions and the potential dangers that can lurk in the world. It emphasizes the importance of being mindful and avoiding situations or objects that may harbor negative energy or supernatural powers. While the rope curse is primarily found in folklore and mythology, it continues to fascinate and intrigue people to this day. Stories of cursed ropes and their impact on individuals serve as a reminder of the power of belief and the enduring nature of ancient legends. Whether true or not, the rope curse remains a captivating part of global folklore and serves as a reminder of the mysterious and unpredictable nature of the world we live in..
Reviews for "The Rope Curse and its Influence on Urban Legends and Folklore"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I really wanted to like "The Rope Curse" because I'm a huge horror fan, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The storyline felt disjointed and confusing, with underdeveloped characters and a lack of suspense. The scares were predictable and the jump scares were overused. Overall, it just didn't deliver the gripping and terrifying experience I was hoping for.
2. Mark - 1 star - I found "The Rope Curse" to be incredibly boring and unoriginal. The plot was cliché and lacked any real depth or substance. The acting was subpar, making it hard to connect with the characters or feel any real sense of fear or anticipation. The supposed twists and turns were predictable and didn't add much excitement to the film. I would definitely not recommend this movie to any horror fans looking for a thrilling experience.
3. Emily - 2 stars - I watched "The Rope Curse" based on the positive reviews I had seen, but I was sorely disappointed. The pacing was slow, and the plot didn't hold my attention. The scares were few and far between, and when they did happen, they were underwhelming. The special effects were lackluster and didn't enhance the horror elements of the film. Overall, I found "The Rope Curse" to be a forgettable and unimpressive addition to the horror genre.
4. Michael - 2 stars - As a horror aficionado, I was excited to watch "The Rope Curse," but it ended up being a letdown. The story was convoluted and didn't make much sense. The scares felt forced and lacked creativity. The characters were poorly developed, making it hard to invest in their plight. While there were a few moments of suspense, they were quickly overshadowed by the overall mediocrity of the film. I would recommend skipping "The Rope Curse" and opting for a more well-crafted horror film.