Many people have preconceived notions of what can the skull tattoo meaning be, but here we go into the history of art, mythologies and symbolism from around the world.
Most important meaning of skulls is death, and with it our mortality.
The fear of death and the desire to see/understand its mystery, have always stimulated human thought and actions and are actually at the origin of the culture.
However, this is a very narrow interpretation of the skull symbolism, given that it is one of the most powerful symbols on the planet.
People began displaying skulls on benches,on floors, and on shelves as early as 7,200 B.C., in the Middle East.
The skull crept into European decorative art in the mid-1300s, after the bubonic plague killed a quarter of the population. It served as a memento mori, symbolizing both mortality and celebration.
If it embellished a drinking cup, for example, that meant:
“Live it up! Life is short.”
Skull can also be interpreted as a part of art interpeting vanitas.
Vanitas are closely related to memento mori still lifes which are artworks that remind the viewer of the shortness and fragility of life, and include symbols such as skulls and extinguished candles.
Memento mori is a Latin phrase meaning ‘remember you must die, which is why the skull clock tattoos are also commonly popular.
And of course, skulls adorned the flags of pirate ships, and are commonly used in pirate ship tattoos.
In the 1700s, pirates flew flags with skulls and crossbones to indicate a rogue identity.
These skull adorned flags showed that the crew didn’t follow the rules of any country, and would stop at nothing to win a fight.
It’s not a surprise that across the globe, death isn’t the end of life.
In fact, it is merely the next step in the story, after which there are numerous other paths to take.
For example, in tarot, the Death card actually signifies a pinnacle turning point in the narrative of life.
In some places, skulls represent:
- transformation,
- change,
- wealth,
- warning sign,
- celebration of the dead,
- macabre aesthetic,
- power,
- strength
- and protection.
