Strange "witch bottles" have been washing ashore on the beaches of Texas' Coastal Bend region. Such bottles date back as far as the 16th century and, according to lore, contain spells, or even evil spirits trapped in them. Researcher Jace Tunnell has found a number of the bottles over the years, and has posted a photo of a recent find. He described the bottles as "counter magical devices" created to "draw in and trap harmful intentions directed at their owners."
Individuals who felt they were targeted by curses or spells might fill a bottle with objects such as iron nails, fingernail clippings and human hair in order to rid themselves of the dark intentions. Tunnell, who searches local Gulf of Mexico beaches for unusual artifacts, said the bottles have no date on them and could be from coming from as far away as West Africa or South America.
To be on the safe side, it's best not to open a witch bottle if you find one – as who knows what you might let out! Tunnell keeps his collection of unopened bottles in his backyard as his wife won't allow them in the house. For more, check out a video report from KRIS 6 News.