Cursed Objects Living Among Us

Scientists are constantly searching for answers, but not all things in this world can be explained. Even if you’re a big believer in science, I have to warn you—before continuing, you might want to sprinkle a ring of salt around you or burn some sage. We’re about to investigate phenomena that defy all logic, from dolls that grow human hair to shape-shifting masks that steal souls. Hold onto those words of protection as we dive into some of the world’s most cursed objects that science can’t explain.

Valley of the Dolls

Dolls might seem cute to some, but to others, they are the stuff of nightmares. Case in point: Little Jimmy. This porcelain doll, won at a carnival in 1910 by a young boy named LeRoy Bland, became eerily linked to World War I. But Jimmy is nothing compared to two truly cursed dolls whose terrifying tales have stood the test of time.

Robert the Doll

This three-foot-tall sailor-dressed doll seems innocent at first glance. But over its 117-year existence, Robert has amassed a reputation for supernatural terror. First owned by a boy named Gene Otto, the doll allegedly moved on its own, giggled maniacally, and even spoke in a sinister voice. Neighbors reported seeing it appear and disappear in the attic window. Even after Gene’s death in 1974, Robert’s sinister antics continued, prompting new owners to donate him to the Fort East Martello Museum in Florida. Visitors claim their photos are mysteriously ruined when taken without Robert’s “permission.” Some believe the doll was cursed by a vengeful servant practicing dark magic—but no scientific explanation has been found.

Okiku: The Doll That Grows Hair

In Japan, a 16-inch doll named Okiku, bought in 1918, became the beloved companion of a little girl of the same name. When the child tragically died from yellow fever, the doll was enshrined in her memory. Over time, the family noticed something unsettling—Okiku’s hair was growing. Even when trimmed, it would regrow, reaching down to its knees. Now kept in a temple in Hokkaido, Japan, Okiku’s hair has been scientifically tested and confirmed to be human. No one knows why or how it keeps growing, but the temple monks continue to trim it to this day.

The Busby Stoop Chair: A Seat of Death

An ordinary oak chair sits nailed high on the wall of the Thirsk Museum in England, kept far out of reach. Why? Because it is said to carry a deadly curse. In 1702, a convicted murderer named Thomas Busby supposedly cursed the chair with his dying words: “May death come to anyone who dare sit in my chair.” Over the years, numerous individuals who sat in it reportedly met untimely deaths, including a chimney sweep and several World War II soldiers. Though some claim the chair’s origin dates to 1840, long after Busby’s execution, no scientist has dared to sit in it to test the legend.

The Cursed Amethyst: A Jewel of Misfortune

Known as the “Cursed Amethyst,” this gemstone—actually a purple sapphire—was stolen from an Indian temple in 1857. From that moment, misfortune followed its owners. Colonel W. Ferris, who first took the gem, suffered financial ruin. His son inherited the jewel and soon met the same fate. Later, Edward Herron-Allen took possession of the stone, only to face personal disaster. He even threw it into a canal, but it was mysteriously returned to him. Today, the gemstone remains locked away in the vaults of London’s Natural History Museum, its curse feared by even the most rational minds.

The Haunted Mask: Japan’s Noh Curse

Japanese Noh masks, used in traditional theater, have an eerie property—they change expressions based on how they are tilted. But legend says they can also absorb negative emotions, becoming possessed. Once worn, a cursed mask supposedly refuses to come off, even after the wearer’s death. While science attributes this phenomenon to psychological effects, the persistent legends surrounding Noh masks continue to spook actors and historians alike.

Old Nick’s Curse: The Devil Over Swansea

In the 1890s, an embittered architect in Swansea, Wales, erected a building topped with a sinister devil statue called Old Nick. Enraged by being passed over for a church renovation project, he declared, “When your church is destroyed and burnt to the ground, my devil will remain laughing.” In an eerie turn of events, during World War II, Swansea was bombed relentlessly. St. Mary’s Church was obliterated, but Old Nick’s building remained untouched. The statue was eventually removed in 1962, but its dark legacy lingers.

Ghostly Photobombs: Spirit Photography Exposed

In the 19th century, William Mumler’s “spirit photography” claimed to capture ghosts in portraits. He famously photographed Abraham Lincoln’s ghost behind his widow, Mary. Skeptics later revealed the trick—double exposure techniques and photographic plate manipulation. But even today, ghostly figures continue to appear in digital photos, a result of camera artifacts and motion distortion. Still, believers argue that not all anomalies can be explained away.

Final Thoughts

Are these objects truly cursed, or are they the products of folklore, superstition, and psychological suggestion? Science has explanations for some, but many remain unexplained mysteries. So, what do you think? Do you believe in curses, or are these just eerie coincidences? Let me know in the comments below! And if you ever come across a seemingly innocent doll, a mysterious gemstone, or an ancient mask—maybe think twice before bringing it home.