New Orleans Voodoo is known for several unique characteristics,
such as Voodoo dolls, gris gris, and zombies. The use of Voodoo dolls in New Orleans reportedly peaked during the reign of the infamous Marie Laveau, the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans. Voodoo dolls are created as gris gris (pronounced gree gree), a form of talismanic magick. The word gris means grey, denoting that which lies between black and white. Gris gris is both a
noun and a verb, referring to a ritually prepared object such as a doll or a small cloth bag filled with magickal ingredients, as well as the act of working the gris gris (i.e. spell or charm). Traditionally, Voodoo dolls are created to represent a deity or to house a spirit. Although they are most commonly depicted as objects of revenge, most practitioners of Voodoo make a concerted effort to disassociate from the malevolent use of Voodoo dolls.
Approximately 90% of the use of Voodoo dolls in New Orleans is centered on healing, finding true love, spiritual guidance. In New Orleans, Voodoo dolls are largely sold as souvenirs, curios, and novelty items.
