Sunday, 21 October 2007

Winged skeleton, Yarrow Church, Borders


A standing skeleton is regarded as 'the personification of death - the King of Terrors'. The dart is a 'weapon of death' in his left hand. Skulls or Death's Heads are very common on old gravestones, winged skulls are also well known but this is the first winged skeleton I have come across. They are emblems of mortality. ... all really cheerful stuff eh.... but a great carving! I wonder what is in his other hand - buried under the ground.

No comments: