The ongoing Archaeology in Annapolis (Maryland) program have begun to
find hidden objects in its ongoing excavations.  Dating to primarily the
eighteenth century, these "spirit caches" were buried or otherwise hidden by
enslaved Africans in "border" places - hearths, windows, doors - to guard
the home and those within.  It's all part of the hidden religious tradition
of hoodoo.  You can get a rough idea of more here:
http://www.newsdesk.umd.edu/culture/release.cfm?ArticleID=1091

On 8/24/06, Ian Evans <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
> Dear HistArchers,
>
> I'm curious to know if you're aware of finds of concealed objects (ie
> charms) in houses and other buildings in North America.
> The custom is widespread in England and also occurred in Australia.
> The most common items are shoes which are general found in sealed voids,
> either in the subfloor area or associated with the hearth and the chimney.
> These were thought to act as lures, decoying evil spirits and witches away
> from the people who lived in or used the building.
> I have a couple of reports of finds in the US and am wondering if anyone
> out there has comes across other examples. An outline of this practice is
> on my website: www.oldhouses.com.au.
>
> Ian Evans
> Byron Bay, NSW
> Australia
>