Cursed and Creepy: Haunted and Possessed Objects from Around the World

 When Possessions Possess You

Some fear ghosts. Others fear demons. But what if evil didn’t haunt a place... but an object? Across cultures and continents, haunted objects and possessed artifacts have stirred fear and fascination for centuries. From cursed paintings that ruin lives to dolls that whisper at night, these items blur the line between folklore and something far more sinister.

In this article, we’ll uncover the chilling tales behind some of the world’s most infamous haunted and possessed objects. Whether you're a horror connoisseur or just dipping your toe into the paranormal, beware—some legends stay with you.

Annabelle the Doll – America's Most Famous Haunted Object

Long before The Conjuring franchise brought her to the big screen, Annabelle was already terrifying paranormal enthusiasts. Unlike the porcelain-faced movie version, the real Annabelle is a Raggedy Ann doll housed in the Warrens' Occult Museum in Connecticut.

Why Is Annabelle Haunted?

According to famed demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren, Annabelle was gifted to a nursing student in the 1970s. Soon after, strange notes appeared around the apartment, and the doll reportedly moved on its own. A psychic claimed the doll was inhabited by a spirit named “Annabelle Higgins.” But the Warrens later declared it demonically possessed, not merely haunted.

To this day, Annabelle sits in a glass case with a warning: “Positively Do Not Open.”

The Dybbuk Box – A Wine Cabinet with a Vengeful Spirit

Perhaps one of the most viral haunted objects of the 2000s, the Dybbuk Box originated from Jewish folklore. A Dybbuk is a malevolent spirit capable of attaching itself to objects or people.

A Tale of Terror Sold on eBay

The box first gained notoriety when it was sold on eBay by a man claiming the item brought nightmares, illness, and financial ruin to its owners. Post Malone even claimed to have suffered bad luck after handling it.

Today, the Dybbuk Box resides at Zak Bagans’ Haunted Museum in Las Vegas—one of the most high-profile homes for haunted objects in the U.S.

The Basano Vase – The Deathly Italian Heirloom

Not all haunted objects have eyes or limbs. Some, like the Basano Vase, are deceptively elegant. Crafted in the 15th century near Naples, this silver vase was supposedly a wedding gift for a young bride who died mysteriously that same night.

A Curse Passed Down

Over the centuries, the vase is said to have passed through multiple hands—each time followed by sudden, unexplained death. Authorities eventually hid the vase away in a secret location, possibly buried in concrete with a note warning: “Beware… This vase brings death.”

Whether myth or truth, it hasn’t surfaced again. And maybe that’s for the best.

Robert the Doll – The Original Creepy Toy

Long before Annabelle, there was Robert, a century-old doll with sailor clothes and a disturbing reputation.

From Innocence to Infamy

Given to Florida artist Robert Eugene Otto in the early 1900s, the doll allegedly developed a mind of its own. Visitors report seeing it blink, move, and even change facial expressions. Legend has it Robert caused car accidents, job loss, and broken bones to those who mocked or photographed him without permission.

Today, Robert resides at the East Martello Museum in Key West. Museum staff receive dozens of apology letters each year—from people begging the doll to lift the curse they believe they triggered.

The Crying Boy Painting – Art That Burns Everything but Itself

In the 1980s, a strange pattern emerged in England. Homes that burned down mysteriously left one item untouched in the ashes: a painting of a crying boy.

Coincidence or Curse?

The mass-produced artwork was popular in working-class homes, but firefighters began to whisper about its curse. After multiple fires left the painting unscathed, tabloids dubbed it “The Blazing Curse of the Crying Boy.”

Even skeptics admit—it’s unnerving that the same object could survive so many unrelated fires. Some say the painting carries the spirit of the orphan model who died in a tragic fire.

The Terrifying Terracotta Army of Xi’an

While not haunted in the traditional sense, the Terracotta Warriors of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, are said to carry an energy that unsettles even seasoned archaeologists.

Disturbed Spirits of the Afterlife

Since their discovery in 1974, several unexplained accidents and deaths have befallen those involved in the excavation. Though no single object is blamed, some believe disturbing the emperor’s resting place has unleashed protective spiritual forces—or possibly a curse.

As with many ancient sites, it raises the age-old question: Should we really be digging this stuff up?

The Cursed Mirror of Myrtles Plantation

Louisiana’s Myrtles Plantation is considered one of America’s most haunted locations, but among its many spirits is one you can see—trapped behind glass.

The Ghost in the Mirror

A mirror inside the mansion is said to contain the souls of Sara Woodruff and her children, allegedly poisoned in the 1800s. Visitors report seeing handprints, cloudy faces, and flickers of movement behind the glass.

While mirrors are symbolic in many cultures as portals to other realms, this one seems to have trapped something instead.

James Dean’s "Little Bastard" – A Car of Death

Even inanimate objects can inherit a sinister legacy—like actor James Dean’s Porsche 550 Spyder, nicknamed “Little Bastard.”

A Deadly Ride

After Dean died in the car in 1955, parts of it were sold off. The engine, tires, and other components were reused—and went on to cause fatal accidents in other vehicles. One story involves the car falling off a transport and breaking a mechanic’s leg.

Eventually, "Little Bastard" vanished from a locked garage. Some say the car doesn’t want to rest until it finishes its work.

El Anciano – The Possessed Puppet of Mexico

In a small village in Mexico, legend tells of a puppet called El Anciano (The Old Man) that was used in street performances… until it started moving on its own.

Strings from the Other Side

Kept in a locked glass case in a private home, El Anciano is blamed for sleep paralysis, animal deaths, and disembodied whispers. Paranormal investigators who attempted to film the puppet allegedly experienced equipment failure and violent nightmares.

Though rarely seen, stories of this haunted object continue to circulate in local lore.

Why Do Haunted Objects Exist?

Are these haunted or possessed objects truly evil? Or are they vessels for our own fears?

Psychological and Cultural Theories

• Psychological anchoring: We project fear onto objects we associate with trauma or stories.

• Cultural archetypes: Many cultures believe spirits or energies can inhabit inanimate things.

• Pareidolia and suggestion: Our brains see patterns and respond to emotional cues—especially in the dark.

Whether you believe or not, one thing’s certain: stories about haunted and possessed objects aren’t going away anytime soon.

How to Protect Yourself from Haunted Objects

If you think you’ve encountered a haunted object, here are some steps commonly recommended by paranormal experts:

• Don’t touch it unless absolutely necessary.

• Cleanse with salt or sage (if that fits your belief system).

• Avoid provoking it—never mock or dare it to “prove” itself.

• Document changes in energy, behavior, or surroundings.

• Consult a professional, such as a spiritual practitioner or paranormal investigator.

Conclusion: Fear Lives in the Familiar

Haunted and possessed objects fascinate us because they make the familiar terrifying. A doll, a painting, or a family heirloom—ordinary things that become vessels for something extraordinary… and sinister.

Whether you're a believer or a skeptic, these stories serve as chilling reminders that sometimes it’s not the place that’s haunted—it’s the thing.

FAQs About Haunted and Possessed Objects

Q: Can a haunted object really harm you?
A: While there's no scientific proof, many report emotional, physical, or spiritual effects—sometimes even accidents or deaths.

Q: How can I tell if an object is possessed?
A: Watch for cold spots, movement, nightmares, or changes in behavior near the object.

Q: What should I do with a cursed item?
A: Avoid burning it. Consult spiritual experts or attempt respectful cleansing rituals.