Stories from the Collection: La Santa Muerte Statue

In this episode of “Stories from the Collection,” the DEA Museum shares the meaning and history behind a folk saint of death: la Santa Muerte. Typically depicted as a skeletal woman, la Santa Muerte has gained popularity across Mexico and symbolizes many different beliefs. Learn how a statue of this spiritual icon ended up in the Museum’s collection and what she means to drug traffickers.

Click here to view the artifact’s collection spotlight.

To learn more about the series “Stories from the Collection,” visit the Museum’s Newsroom.