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important figure of New Orleans voodoo<br />
was Dr. John, a dark-skinned, stately man<br />
with a tattooed face whose alleged powers<br />
brought him thousands of clients.<br />
Voodoo both fascinated and repelled the<br />
white New Orleanians who came to watch<br />
the public rites that were held in Congo<br />
Square until 1857, where Armstrong Park is<br />
today. (More secretive, nocturnal rites were<br />
held elsewhere.) Rumors of spirit<br />
possessions, snake worship, zombies, and<br />
animal sacrifices scandalized them. But in<br />
private, they would consult voodoo priests<br />
and priestesses. Modern scholars argue that<br />
voodoo was a way for African-Americans to<br />
exert influence over the white ruling<br />
establishment, a manifestation of suppressed<br />
power.
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