I jumped over to khandu's Web site to read his stories of Mississippi John Hurt and their mutual friend "Tunk." Tunk was born with a veil over his face and that fact figures prominently in khandu's story. It got me thinking about African and Voodoo folklore in Mississippi and it's expression in much of the music from that part of the U.S. There are lots of references that we commonly use in song without knowing the full meaning and I thought perhaps some of the more scholarly here could share their insights.

What is the most common superstition associated with being born "with a veil over one's face"?

The seventh son of a seventh son (Hootchie Cootchie Man) was a magical person with, I believe, strong sexual powers over women. Are there other attributes associated with this "sign."

What, if any, is the ralationship in folklore between the veil and the seventh son?

The mojo hand was a talisman also, I believe, conferring sexual powers on it's owner. What, exactly, is a mojo hand? Is it something like "The Monkey's Paw"?

What was the magic in the Stetson hat that Stagolee sold his soul to get? It clearly didn't protect him from losing a bet nor did it protect him from physical harm.

What are good sources for further reading on the subject?

Thanks,

      - Mark