Altar card

This altar card is probably from an altar dedicated to Saint Francis Xavier as is evident from the depiction of a crab with a crucifix in its claws on the frame of the altar card. The tablet is silver-plated while the frame surrounding it is made of silver. On the top of the frame there is a pair of flower decorations in urns (ramalhetes) on both ends; a bivalve shell in the centre which is surmounted by the crab with the crucifix.
According to popular belief, Saint Francis Xavier was caught in a storm while on his way to Malacca. He prayed to God and dipped his crucifix into the water to calm the sea but while doing so the crucifix slipped out of his hand and fell into the sea. When he reached Malacca, while he was walking along the seashore he saw a crab come out of the water towards him with his crucifix in its claws.