Malverde Scapulary

The Malverde Scapulary consists of two small pieces of fabric embroidered with the image of Jesus Malverde, connected by a fairly sturdy strap. The detailed embroidery is framed by delicate gold accents and a zigzag outline stitch - overall, it has a rather rustic charm, which is due to the small size of this good-luck charm. The scapulary is simply worn under clothing with one of the amulets facing forward and the other on the back for all-around protection. The back is made of pleasantly soft material that is barely noticeable against the skin. 

The two pieces of fabric each measure 4 x 2 cm
The unfolded scapular measures 47 cm and fits over any head

Jesus Malverde is one of Mexico’s most famous folk saints. According to legend, Malverde was a daring bandit who took from the rich and gave to the poor—a Mexican Robin Hood. The myth-shrouded bandit enjoys cult status across all social classes, quite comparable to that of Santa Muerte. Like the Saint of Death, however, he is not “officially” recognized as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church and is frowned upon as pagan. 

Although Malverde is unfortunately almost exclusively reduced to his role as the patron saint of drug cartels these days, he is much more to Mexicans: an icon straddling mainstream and subculture, and a symbol of patriarchal oppression, postcolonial abandonment, and the crime that characterizes the lives of the so-called “border people” on the cultural frontier between Mexico and the U.S. For most Mexicans, believing in both Jesús Malverde and the Catholic Church is not a contradiction at all, and so after Sunday Mass, a candle is also placed before the generous, white-robed bandit.