Art With Bre: Symbolism of the Human Skull

Breanna Castaneda

Professor Long

ARTH 102.01

7 October 2013

Symbolism of the Human Skull

For thousands of years the human skull and its transforming image and meaning have enamored the world. Despite the fact that in literal terms it is essentially a cold, hard piece of calcium and marrow that as time wears on will slowly descend into disintegration, soon to be dust. But what it is and what it stands for are two completely different things that will often lead to two opposite ends of the spectrum. Aztecs, pirates, Shakespeare, Kahlo, and Mexican culture itself have all taken the human skull and transformed it into something somewhat immortal. The skull itself will forever be immortalized in paintings, in literature, in thriving cultures as it is celebrated and revered even when it is repelling.

The ancient Aztecs believed that life was a dream and that in death the soul awakens. Because of this belief, death was not feared; it was welcomed when presented face to face. Such fearlessness in the midst of the brutality of survival itself lead the Aztecs to utilize the skulls of their conquered as trophies. Similarly, pirates used the famed skull and cross bones symbol to intimidate and strike fear into oncoming ships, their helpless victims. By this time the human skull had become a motif for death and danger, it ignited fear and superstitions within viewers. But just as the skull represented death, morbidity and mortality- it also represented a beauty that exists within death and within the human form.

Shakespeare as with many of the literary masters like Bronte and Poe, were able to incorporate the skull into literary devices. With their work, the skull became a symbol of sadness, melancholy and even beauty. It represented the life lost and the eternity of death. Although some interpretations are morbid and quite depressing, the use of the human skull in modern times is substantially different. For example, the Mexican tradition of Dia De Los Muertos, The Day Of The Dead; celebrates the life of loved ones who have passed. Dia De Los Muertos costumes consist of skull makeup, vibrant dresses all in efforts to entice the dead back home, in welcoming.

From this many past and present artists derive their inspiration. Kahlo is one of the most famed Mexican artists because like the skulls in Dia De Los Muertos, her work displayed something melancholy and painfully tragic, as if one knew her tragedy was so great that even the brightest colors cannot conceal it, but in the midst of that pain on the canvas- one can see the beauty that lies beneath it, the woman beneath it. All in all the point is that although the skull has a darkness, it has been and can be manipulated to something much more powerful- even in a happier mood. The skull has become comical and fun, pretty and appealing to younger generations of artists. More and more now the skull has been reinvented in the fashion industry as something so versatile, it can be pretty and pink, or gothic and intimidating, or it can hold the beauty and detail, and vibrancy of the Dia De Los Muertos skull art. From the Aztecs until now, the skull will forever be considered an immortalized symbol of mortality, celebration of death, and the darkness of what can be considered evil.