“SANTA MUERTE,” THE SKELETON SAINT

(Oxford University Press, 2012)

Even though her image dates back to the 19th century,‘Santa Muerte’ (Saint Death), has become, in the last decade, one of the most popular figures of Mexico’s folk culture. Many believe the ‘Bony Lady,’(as she is affectionately called) to have supernatural powers, and her statuettes and paraphernalia now outsell those of the Virgin of Guadalupe. For those who revere her, she’s also come to play the role of supernatural healer, love doctor, money-maker, lawyer, and angel of death.