A voodoo doll is a traditional practice in Haitian and African American folk magic. It is commonly used to represent a person and is believed to possess the ability to influence or control that person's actions or well-being. The doll is typically made out of cloth or fabric and is often personalized by adding elements belonging to the individual it represents, such as hair or clothing. In recent years, a voodoo doll representing Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, has gained popularity among critics and protesters. This doll is crafted to resemble Putin and is used as a form of protest or expression of discontent towards his leadership and policies. It is often associated with those who oppose his authoritarian style of governance and his alleged human rights abuses.
Voodoo is a religion practised by people in Haiti, Africa and the US.
This is not the first time the Russian tyrant got a voodoo doll dedicated to him; back in 2014, the project called VATNIK The Putin Voodoo Magnet had started. I started doing the voodoo dolls in October 2014, Adopt a Zombie and then in 2016 a friend told me to do a custom and then I did Donald Trump Voodoo Doll.
It is often associated with those who oppose his authoritarian style of governance and his alleged human rights abuses. The Putin voodoo doll has become a symbolic representation of frustration and a tool for political activism. It is used as a means to express dissatisfaction and to show solidarity with those who oppose the current Russian regime.
Vladimir Putin targeted by dark magic, $31.5 Putin's voodoo doll being sold online
Vladimir Putin is being targeted by black magic in the form of a vlad voodoo doll. Voodoo devotees are pinning pins in the handmade Putin voodoo dolls in hopes they can stop him from wreaking more havoc. The Putin voodoo doll is being sold for under £23.89 on Etsy.
In response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a craftswoman, Di Di from Florida, US, is selling handmade Putin voodoo dolls on Etsy under the name BadCherrybyDD, so customers can stick it to him and prevent him from causing more chaos. In the description for the dolls, Di Di says, "Keep Vladimir Putin from creating chaos. Stick it to him just like he's stuck it to the entire world." And, the doll is already quite popular with 150 dolls being sold.
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Craftswoman DiDi's creation- Putin Voodoo Doll. (Etsy/BadCherrybyDD)
According to research published by Brown University, the word voodoo means spirits and the belief is a religious or magico-religious practice that aims to connect spirits with humans. Traditionally a voodoo doll works by someone pushing the pins into the entirety of its soft body, which is a material incarnation of a person they can control.
Di Di admitted to the Daily Sun, that while she is not a firm believer in such dark magic stuff, her customers are, and they have been buying the doll and pining it, to inflict suffering on the tyrant for starting the war.
She also told the publication that in her online Etsy store, BadCherrybyDD, Putin is the successor to dolls she has made of North Korea's Kim Jong Un and ex-US President Donald Trump. She said, "I don't believe in the power of voodoo dolls, but I think my clients do. I started doing the voodoo dolls in October 2014, (Adopt a Zombie) and then in 2016 a friend told me to do a custom and then I did Donald Trump Voodoo Doll."
"I don't vote, I am not part of any political party, I think is fun. I have Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong Um, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, a Riot Police and Lebron James.I have different versions, full fabric and digital print with fabric. I probably sold 150 Vladimir Putin so far, but the best seller is Donald Trump and Joe Biden."
This is not the first time the Russian tyrant got a voodoo doll dedicated to him; back in 2014, the project called 'VATNIK: The Putin Voodoo Magnet' had started. It was a project which aimed to raise $5,000 to produce voodoo dolls with Putin's face that could be pinned up with Ukrainian flags. It was a project that started to mock the Russian president when war started between Russia and Ukraine back in February 2014.
According to research published by Brown University, the word voodoo means spirits and the belief is a religious or magico-religious practice that aims to connect spirits with humans. Traditionally a voodoo doll works by someone pushing the pins into the entirety of its soft body, which is a material incarnation of a person they can control.
Some protesters may use the doll to symbolically "curse" or address their grievances towards Putin, believing that by doing so, they are exerting some form of control or influence over his actions. Although the use of voodoo dolls is steeped in folk magic and superstition, the Putin voodoo doll serves primarily as a symbolic gesture rather than an actual belief in its supernatural abilities. It represents a way for individuals to voice their discontent and engage in a form of peaceful protest against Putin and his policies. It is important to note that the use of voodoo dolls or any form of protest should be carried out in a respectful and non-violent manner. The Putin voodoo doll, like any other form of political expression, should be seen as a tool for raising awareness and facilitating discourse rather than a means to incite harm or violence towards Putin or his supporters. Overall, the Putin voodoo doll serves as a symbol of resistance and opposition, allowing individuals to express their discontent towards his leadership and policies. While the use of voodoo dolls may hold cultural significance in other contexts, the Putin voodoo doll primarily functions as a form of political protest and expression of dissent..
Reviews for "Superstitions and Symbolism: The Role of Putin Voodoo Dolls in Russian Culture"
1. John - 1 star
The "Putin voodoo doll" is nothing but a tasteless and offensive product. I cannot believe that people find it amusing to mock a world leader in this manner. It is a clear display of disrespect towards a powerful figure and the country he represents. This doll only serves to perpetuate negative stereotypes and fuel hatred. I strongly discourage anyone from purchasing or supporting such a distasteful item.
2. Anna - 2 stars
While the idea behind the "Putin voodoo doll" may have been intended as a satirical form of expression, I found it to be quite inappropriate. Making a doll intended to harm or curse an individual is juvenile and lacks creativity. As citizens of a globalized society, we should be striving to promote tolerance and understanding rather than encouraging such negativity. I believe there are better and more constructive ways to express any discontent or disagreement with political figures.
3. Paul - 1 star
I purchased the "Putin voodoo doll" out of curiosity, but quickly regretted my decision. The quality of the doll was extremely poor, with shoddy stitching and cheap materials. Moreover, I don't understand what purpose this product serves other than to incite anger and division. It does nothing to address the complex geopolitical issues surrounding Vladimir Putin and instead reduces him to a caricature. I would not recommend wasting your money on this unnecessary and offensive item.