Santa Muerte The Statuette
Publication information:
Abstract
Santa Muerte is a saint that has been popularized in Mexico during the last few decades. This saint is depicted as a skeleton figure that sometimes resembles the death reaper. Due to her display and her connection to narcoculture, crime, and violence, Santa Muerte is thought to be part of a religion of evil, and specifically in Mexico seen as a demonic cult. However, Santa Muerte is much more than that, she is a saint of healing, love, and everyday needs. The veneration of Santa Muerte has many artistic dimensions, including visual representations, home altars, and a complex system of color symbolism. This paper will emphasize the importance of her physical presence in a follower's life.
Presenter Biography
Kimberly Melgoza is a second year religion PhD student at The University of Denver and the Iliff School of Theology Joint Doctoral Program. Melgoza’s research focuses on indigenous communities in Mexico, specifically those that use hallucinogenic mushrooms religiously.