Skull and crossbones
In Christian art, a reminder of death, and at the foot of the cross, a sign of Adam's remains.
Meaning
In scenes of the crucifixion a skull, often with crossed bones, lies at the foot of the cross. On tombs and memorials the same motif serves as a memento mori, a reminder that every life ends.
Origin and history
The skull refers to Golgotha, 'the place of the skull', where the Gospels place the crucifixion, and to an early tradition that Adam was buried there, so that Christ's death redeems the first man.
From the late Middle Ages the skull and crossed bones spread to tombs, memorials and devotional objects as a reminder of death. That association carried over into other uses, including pirate flags and, from the 19th century, labels for poisons.
Where you’ll see it today
whatdoesthissymbolmean.comSkull and crossbones (GHS06)Today it marks chemicals with acute toxicity on labels and safety data sheets.See also
Sources
- The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, Oxford University Press
- Hall's Dictionary of Subjects and Symbols in Art, by James Hall, John Murray
Last reviewed September 23, 2026.