My son found this on tumblr

[orangecrush]

13. Vodou is a religion

That comes from West Africa.

As far as I know, it does not employ dolls or pins.

Hoodoo is a different thing, more of a body of folk magic that originated in Africa and was mostly in Memphis, as opposed to New Orleans where Vodou was prevalent.

I'm not a scholar in the field, just going by my readings.

Hoodoo is more concerned with worldly business, at least that is my impression.

Hoodoo's expertise is largely in root work, and involves "Mojo Bags" that once consecrated are considered living entities, that work for the practitioner.

This might have been the origin of the "Voodoo Doll"?

Though for working love spells or black magic for retribution, it is desirable to have something with the subjects energy, such as a lock of hair or fingernails.

Your mileage may vary