The phrase "household gods" refers to small figurines or idols that were believed to protect and bring good fortune to a home or family. Full definition
But there is fetishism in the teraphim, or household gods which Rachel stole when she left her father's house and sat upon for safekeeping. (religion-online.org)
She broke the horns off his favorite household god, and when she threatened to curse him with boils and impotence, he swore never to touch his daughters again and made restitution. (bookbrowse.com)
These are paintings «on automatic» as it were, not energized with a machine - like objectivity but with the intimate pulse of household gods. (brooklynrail.org)