The first ornaments that one sees upon entering some Cuban homes are a tongue pierced by a sword and an eye that looks straight at you. These amulets are intended to frustrate the ill will of visitors, although they also serve as a warning for gossips and for those who want to see or know too much.

Other disturbing charms may also be found in a number of Cuban homes: a cactus stem nailed to the door brings advancement; a doll sitting on a sofa is not for little girls to play, for it represents a powerful ancestor; and the rock with conch eyes you see at the entrance hall is the dwelling of Eleguá, the African deity that paves the way.

... read complete article