This is another exmaple of elaborate Portugese church decorations. This
one had an interesting story. It is in honor of 5 saints who travelled to
Morocco to try and convert the Moors to christianity. They were
unsuccessful in their efforts, and this carving graphically displays
the end result ... they all had their heads chopped off. Through several
miracles, their remains made it back to Portugal where they are safely
stored inside the church.
Porto Church