i follow haitian vodou. no such thing as vodou dolls in haitian vodou. in fact, only in certain places in the u.s., like louisiana, where they were in fact brought in by the europeans. the proper term would therefore be a poppet, as the doll has its origins in european folk magick and not in vodou
some people make a distinction between "vodou" as practiced in haiti, and "voodoo" as practiced in louisiana. the real major difference is the greater influence of european folk magick (and surviving traces of pagan traditions) on the louisiana variety, and the strong interchangability between vodou and santeria pantheons and traditions in the louisiana variety. the so called "voodoo" dolls are definitely used in louisiana and other parts of the u.s., but again they are of european origin and so it would probably make more sense to learn about the history of the poppets in folk magick to understand how to make and use poppets. i should add that historically the dolls were used in sympathetic magick for healing purposes, and not for cursing others, though as the concept and its uses have evolved there can be no doubt poppets have been used in the casting of curses
Here is a good book by a friend of mine, Denise Alvarado of www.mysticvoodoo.com. Voodoo Dolls In Magick And Ritual. I collect Voodoo Dolls for their beauty, not to curse or harm in anyway. Denise makes some very beautiful dolls. I bought this book and it is very informative and also gives you warnings of danger if misused.
Blessings,
Lady D.