In a message dated 8/24/2006 9:05:28 AM Eastern Standard Time,  
[log in to unmask] writes:

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


"Hoodoo" ????