Votive Offerings in Edible Media

Diana Fane discusses examples of edible ex-votos from Southern Italy and Mexico, regions in which Christian and pre-Christian traditions frequently co-exist. Comparing the Italian and Mexican traditions with each other and to ex-votos in durable metals, wood, and wax from the same areas, Fane examines why some offerings are made to be consumed while others similar or even identical in subject and style are permanently installed in the shrine or attached to the robes of the saints.