Skull, Human

HUMAN SKULL -  The most common symbolic use of the skull is as a representation of death and mortality.  The skull was popular during the Seventeenth-Century known as "death's head".   A death's head, often with wings and/or crossed bones, was a stylized skull.  Some have speculated that winged skulls were intended to symbolize a combination of physical death and spiritual regeneration.  It is important to note that Boston-based Puritans did not advocate using religious symbols, such as cherubs, Christ figures, or crosses in their meetinghouses, on church silver, or on their gravestones. Puritans were adamantly against attributing human form to spiritual beings such as God, angels, or spirits.  

There were many variations of the death's head motif.  The characteristics and configuration of the image depended entirely on the preferred style of the carver.  Like silversmiths, tanners, carpenters, and other craftsmen, gravestone carvers had special techniques and skill.  As the settlers began to achieve more stable lifestyles and accumulate wealth, they were better able to afford more elaborate personal items such as large elaborately carved gravestones.