15 Allegedly Cursed Objects with Disturbing Backstories - History Collection

5. The Annabelle Doll

The Annabelle Doll, a simple Raggedy Ann figure, resides in Ed and Lorraine Warren’s famed Occult Museum. Paranormal investigators claim the doll is possessed by a malevolent entity, responsible for violent incidents and unexplained supernatural occurrences. Annabelle’s unnerving legacy inspired a popular horror film franchise, ensuring her infamous status in pop culture and paranormal circles alike. Visitors are warned not to touch the glass case that houses her. Read more from USA Today

6. The Koh-i-Noor Diamond

The Koh-i-Noor Diamond is a storied gem with a dark past. Originating in India, its history is steeped in bloodshed, betrayal, and conquest. The diamond changed hands between rulers and empires, often marking the occasion with violence or tragedy. Now set in the British Crown Jewels, the Koh-i-Noor is rumored to bring misfortune to any man who wears it, while women are said to be immune to its curse. Its legend continues to fuel debate and fascination worldwide. Discover more at BBC News

7. The Basano Vase

The Basano Vase, a beautifully crafted 15th-century Italian silver vessel, is shrouded in ominous legend. According to tales, each of its owners met an untimely and mysterious death. When the vase was rediscovered, it allegedly came with a chilling note warning, “Beware… this vase brings death.”
Efforts to rid the world of its curse led to it being buried, yet it resurfaced to haunt new owners. Its dark reputation persists, keeping collectors at bay. Read more at Live Science

8. The Black Orlov Diamond

The Black Orlov Diamond, also known as the “Eye of Brahma,” is steeped in sorrowful legend. Allegedly stolen from a Hindu shrine, the diamond is blamed for a series of suicides and untimely deaths among its owners. In an attempt to break the curse, the stone was recut into smaller gems, but the sense of doom surrounding it lingers. The Black Orlov’s reputation as a harbinger of tragedy has only grown with time. Read more at Forbes

9. Robert the Doll

Robert the Doll, housed in Key West, Florida, has unnerved visitors for over a century. The doll is said to unleash misfortune on those who mock him or take his photo without first politely requesting permission. Guests report car accidents, job loss, and other accidents soon after their visit if they ignore these rules. His glass case is surrounded by letters from the contrite, pleading for forgiveness and relief from his supposed curse. Explore the legend at Atlas Obscura

10. The Crying Boy Painting

The Crying Boy Painting became infamous in the UK during the 1980s after repeated reports linked it to devastating house fires. Strangely, the artwork was frequently found untouched in the charred ruins, intensifying whispers of a supernatural curse. While thousands of copies were mass-produced in the 1950s, no scientific investigation has ever revealed why the paintings seem to survive disasters. The unsettling legend endures, keeping wary homeowners on edge. Read more at The Guardian

11. The Tallman Bunk Beds

The Tallman Bunk Beds became infamous after a Wisconsin family claimed their secondhand purchase unleashed a terrifying haunting in the late 1980s. The Tallman family reported ghostly apparitions, unexplained noises, and a pervasive sense of dread. The haunting grew so intense that the beds were eventually destroyed by fire in a desperate attempt to end the nightmare. Their chilling story gained national attention after being featured on Unsolved Mysteries. Learn more at Unsolved Mysteries Wiki

12. The Myrtles Plantation Mirror

The Myrtles Plantation Mirror in Louisiana is steeped in supernatural lore. According to legend, this ornately framed glass traps the restless spirits of former residents, their souls forever reflected within. Visitors and staff have reported eerie handprints appearing on the mirror’s surface, as well as fleeting glimpses of ghostly figures in the glass. The plantation itself is renowned as one of America’s most haunted houses, drawing thrill-seekers and paranormal investigators alike. Read more at Travel Channel

13. The Women from Lemb Statue

Known ominously as the Goddess of Death, the Women from Lemb Statue is an ancient artifact uncovered in Cyprus during the 1800s. Its owners, according to legend, suffered untimely and mysterious deaths, fueling rumors of a powerful curse. Today, the statue is on display at the National Museum of Scotland, where its unsettling reputation continues to intrigue and unsettle visitors. The stories surrounding this enigmatic figure ensure its place in the annals of haunted history. Discover more at National Museums Scotland

14. The Delhi Purple Sapphire

Despite its name, the Delhi Purple Sapphire is actually a striking amethyst with a turbulent past. Stolen from a sacred temple in India, the gemstone’s journey to England was marked by a string of calamities and financial ruin among its owners. Eventually, the stone was accompanied by a written warning about its cursed nature. Today, it is safely housed in London’s Natural History Museum, where its reputation for misfortune still unsettles those who learn its story. Learn more at Natural History Museum

15. The Haunted Wedding Dress of Anna Baker

The Haunted Wedding Dress of Anna Baker stands as a poignant symbol of love lost and restless spirits. On display in Pennsylvania, the dress remains unworn, its owner’s tragic romance forever immortalized in fabric. Visitors and staff have reported seeing the gown gently swaying within its sealed glass case, as if stirred by unseen hands. Anna’s sorrowful tale and the dress’s unexplained movements have cemented its status as a local legend and a powerful reminder of the mysteries that cling to cursed objects. Discover more at PennLive

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