Saint Martin Statue (5") Saint Martin of Porres

St. Martin De Porres, the first black saint of the Americas, who would become well come well known for his humility and help of the poor and in hopeless causes. He is often depicted affectionately as the ‘Saint of the broom’, because he considered all work to be sacred, no matter how menial.

In Vodou, Baron Samedi is often associated with the Catholic figure of St. Martin de Porres.

Baron Samedi is the loa of the dead, presiding over funerals and the afterlife. He is noted for disruption, obscenity, debauchery, and having a particular fondness for parties, tobacco, and rum. He is also the loa of resurrection, and in the latter capacity he is often called upon for healing by those near or approaching death, as it is only the Baron that can accept an individual into the realm of the dead. Dressed in a formal black attire with a top hat and skull face paint, he ensures the transition of souls to the world of the spirits and guards the cemetery gates.