A voodoo doll tattoo is a unique and intriguing design that holds various meanings and symbolism. This type of tattoo is inspired by voodoo dolls, which are traditionally associated with the religion of Vodou or Voodoo. Voodoo dolls are believed to possess magical powers and are often used in rituals and spells. In the world of tattoo artistry, the voodoo doll design has gained popularity due to its unconventional and mysterious nature. The tattoo can be designed in various styles, such as realistic, traditional, or with a modern twist. The design usually features a small doll figure made out of fabric or straw, with stitches on its body and pins sticking out.
Women as witches: past, present and future
The design usually features a small doll figure made out of fabric or straw, with stitches on its body and pins sticking out. The symbolism behind a voodoo doll tattoo can be interpreted differently depending on the individual. Some people may choose this design as a representation of protection.
If you ask someone what they think of when they hear the word ‘witch’ most people will come up with a similar image: old, haggard, ugly, bent-nosed, broomstick-laden and, above all, female.
But how accurate is this stereotype?
Witchcraft was a crime in Europe during what is generally referred to as the early modern period: that is, the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries. Different countries enacted different laws to deal with witches but, for the most part, by the mid-16th century witchcraft was a secular crime, one that could be punished by imprisonment, pillory or execution. During this period, approximately 90,000 people were formally accused of witchcraft and about half of this number were executed. That’s 45,000 deaths.
A pillory – a wooden device that trapped the victim by the head and hands so they could be subjected to public abuse. Picture: An 18th century illustration via Wikipedia.
A pillory – a wooden device that trapped the victim by the head and hands so they could be subjected to public abuse. Picture: An 18th century illustration via Wikipedia.
So where do women come in? Well, it depends on what country you were in but, on the whole, women made up the vast majority of those accused and executed. In England, we estimate that women made up approximately 90 per cent of the accused; in the largely German-speaking Holy Roman Empire, this number was 76 per cent; in Hungary, 90 per cent; in Switzerland, over 95 per cent; and in parts of France, 76 per cent. There are exceptions to this trend. In Iceland, women made up only eight per cent of the accused and low figures can also be seen in Russia (32 per cent) and Estonia (40 per cent). But, for the most part, and especially in Western Europe, women were far more likely to be accused of witchcraft than men.
Witches were generally defined as people who made a pact with the Devil in exchange for magical power to commit evil acts.
They were believed to join with the Devil, meet with him at night-time sabbaths, pledge homage, engage in lurid sex, kill children and maim pregnant women. They were also believed to make men impotent – in some cases by actually stealing their genitals.
A manuscript image of nuns hoarding penises - some medieval authors claimed that witches stole penises.
A manuscript image of nuns hoarding penises - some medieval authors claimed that witches stole penises.
So why were women so much more likely to be accused? This is a huge question, far too large to answer in a short blog post, but much of it had to do with ideas about women’s temperaments. One of the most vitriolic texts, Heinrich Kramer’s 1487 Malleus Maleficarum described how women were ‘chiefly addicted to Evil Superstitions’ and went on to blame her greed, her credulous nature, her feeble mind and body, her slippery tongue, her jealous nature and her inherently evil disposition for her tendency to give in to the Devil’s influence. Other texts described women’s credibility in the face of the Devil’s tricks or their innately malicious natures.
They believe that having a voodoo doll tattoo will ward off negative energies and evil spirits. The pins seen on the doll's body can be seen as a way to ward off enemies or harmful influences. For others, a voodoo doll tattoo may represent power and control. It can be a symbol of manipulating or influencing others to do one's bidding. This interpretation is often related to the idea of using magic or spirituality to gain an advantage. Additionally, a voodoo doll tattoo can be seen as a connection to the culture and spirituality of Vodou or Voodoo. It can be a way to pay homage to the traditions and beliefs of these religions, or simply an appreciation for their aesthetics and symbolism. When getting a voodoo doll tattoo, it is essential to consider the design and placement carefully. The size, color palette, and style should be decided upon based on personal preference and what resonates with the individual. It is also recommended to find a skilled and experienced tattoo artist who can bring the design to life and accurately capture the essence of a voodoo doll..
Reviews for "The Dark Side of Voodoo Doll Tattoos: Debunking the Myths and Misconceptions"
1. Sarah - 1/5 stars - I went to get a voodoo doll tattoo at this place and I must say I was extremely disappointed with the final result. The artist completely misunderstood my vision and ended up creating a design that looked nothing like what I asked for. The lines were shaky and uneven, and the overall quality was poor. I tried to communicate my concerns to the artist, but they were dismissive and seemed uninterested in fixing their mistakes. I would not recommend this tattoo parlor to anyone seeking a voodoo doll tattoo.
2. Mike - 2/5 stars - I recently got a voodoo doll tattoo done at this studio and I have mixed feelings about it. While the artist was friendly and the shop was clean, the quality of the tattoo itself was not up to par. The lines were not as crisp and precise as I expected, and the shading was inconsistent. Additionally, the healing process was quite difficult, and the tattoo ended up fading and becoming patchy after just a few months. I would suggest doing thorough research and possibly seeking other options before getting a voodoo doll tattoo from this studio.
3. Lisa - 2/5 stars - I decided to get a voodoo doll tattoo from this place based on the positive reviews I had read, but unfortunately, my experience was far from satisfactory. The artist lacked attention to detail and rushed through the design, leaving me with a tattoo that looked sloppy and amateurish. The colors used were not vibrant and faded quickly, even with proper aftercare. Furthermore, the atmosphere in the shop was unwelcoming, and the staff seemed disinterested in providing a positive customer experience. I regret choosing this tattoo parlor and would not recommend it to others.