In anthropology, fetishism is defined as the emic (from within the social group) attribution of inherent value or powers to an object. In this case, the doll is placed in or directly outside the home and with every wish for protection or for harm to another, a nail is driven into the doll's body. Chicken blood and other liquids are poured over it, creating an incrustation. These dolls are known for their pungent, smoky odor and many people sense a malevolent ambience.

Totemic substances know as bilongo were stored inside the doll's head or more often in a cavity in its midsection. This was covered by a piece of glass or mirror so that the spirits of the dead can peer through and observe.

Up until the 20th century these dolls were frequently encountered but many were seized by missionaries as evidence of sorcery. They are the origin of the dolls used in voodoo rituals. [By Paris A. Walker]