The tufa cave in Naples known as the Fontanelle cemetery houses the bones of an estimated 40,000 anonymous people, mostly victims of plagues and epidemics from the 16th to 19th century. The skulls are representative of the pezzentelle, the “poor little ones” whose souls are forever trapped in purgatory. Forgotten, they have no one to pray for their release. Traditionally, these skulls have been adopted and renamed by the living seeking favors. In return for veneration in the form of small houses, coins, and trinkets the soul is expected to perform small everyday miracles. While this practice has long been condemned by the Church and visits are limited to tours, objects continue to appear and disappear.