Seems that Santeria people in Cuba and elsewhere in latin America.. used to make images of Santeria "Gods" i.e. Bobalu among others.. and then form in clay over them images of the Roman Catholic Mary and other "saints".. and then make shrines to those Gods.. in their homes and elsewhere..
While "worshiping" the saint they were in reality worshipping Bobalu... I thought this quite humorous at the time.. still do.. Since RCC people decry that what they are doing is actually "worship".. as do the Santeria proponents.. They did the same with various amulets and talismans.. used by both groups.. i.e. crosses, prayer beads, holy water, etc.
Ricky Recardo used to say Babalu a lot on those old I Love Lucy shows...