Many myths and misconceptions have arisen surrounding Voodoo. This is due to a misunderstanding as well as purposeful conjurings of Hollywood and writers, before Hollywood was around. Voodoo Dolls Voodoo dolls are universally associated with Voodoo. Most know the concept of the voodoo doll-- a doll is made as a likeness of the intended victim and is then stuck with pics and needles to inflict pain upon the victim. It is surprising then to learn that Voodoo dolls are unheard of in the original Voodoo in Haiti, although some are used in New Orleans voodoo, mostly to amuse tourists. The real origin of the "Voodoo doll" is the "poppet," used in European witchcraft. Apparently, the term Voodoo doll was invented by an American writer who made up a story about Voodoo after hearing that it was witchcraft. The only "dolls" used in Voodoo are ones used on Voodoo altars, which are supposed to represent loas.