Victorian Conch Skull Pendant

$1,600.00

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Victorian Conch Skull Pendant

$1,600.00

Description

DATE: Victorian, c.1860

A cool antique Memento Mori skull pendant, carved from a single piece of natural white conch. It dates from the Victorian period, circa 1860 and displays waves of pink and cream throughout the head. The eyes are deeply set back with hand carving to show the teeth and nose, with gold fittings to wear as a pendent or charm.

The concept of Memento Mori, remember that you will die, has been around since ancient times; indeed, probably for as long as humans have existed. Throughout history, philosophers, kings, and common folk alike have reflected on the brevity of life: Greek stoic Epictetus told his students that when kissing their child, brother, or friend, they should remind themselves that they are mortal as do "those who stand behind men in their triumphs and remind them that they are mortal". To us, wearing jewellery that constantly reminds you (and those around you) that someday you will die might seem somewhat... jarring... but societies and cultures in the past, especially the 16th through 19th centuries, had a much more open relationship with death and mortality.

STONES

Conch

MEASUREMENTS

1.9 x 1.2 x 1.7cm (H x W x D)

WEIGHT

6.5g

MARKS

No marks present

CONDITION

Good, with light wear commensurate with age. Slight crack in the mouth