What is Lodestone?

Lodestones are enchanted rocks which prevent the souls of the dead from rising up. The lodestone itself is symbolic of stasis, of being trapped in the same place. This contrasts ironically given the name of the town in which the novel is set –“Liberty”. A lodestone bearing doll is given to Ruby by Ma Tante, who then has her exchange dolls with Ephram. The lodestone is dangerous to the Dybou in the novel, for it can be used against him.