Updated: Jan. 27, 2016 at 12:32 PM

'God dolls' become a huge sensation in Thailand(10 images)

Photographer Alexander Hotz composed a photo essay featuring the haunting Luk Thep "god dolls" and their creator, Mananya "Mama Ning" Boonmee, who says the dolls are "infused with a child's soul." The dolls have roots in ancient Thai child figure that housed the unborn remains of a fetus, intended to bring good fortune. Photos courtesy Alexander Hotz/alexanderhotz.com Click here for the full UPI story

One of Mama's acolytes who preferred to not give her name pictured holding her Luk Thep. Photo courtesy Alexander Hotz/{link:alexanderhotz.com: "http://www.alexanderhotz.com/possessed-dolls"}

“Luk Thep is a doll who is alive.” Mama Ning explained. “I created a soul to live in the doll, and owners can raise them as their own children, taking them out in public, just like a normal kid.” Photo courtesy Alexander Hotz/{link:alexanderhotz.com: "http://www.alexanderhotz.com/possessed-dolls"}