An Ancient Roman Toy Skeleton

Why would an ancient Roman toy skeleton be invited to the dinner table?

The Romans frequently linked images of banqueting and death in both literature and the visual arts. In Petronius’ satirical novel, Satyricon (AD ‘60s), Trimalchio—a crass, nouveau-riche host of a dinner party—brings out a small silver skeleton between courses.

He then recites a poem: life is short and should be enjoyed before becoming a skeleton like the one he displays.

Alas for us poor mortals. Thus we shall all be, after Hades takes us away. Therefore, let us live while it goes well with us.

And this small, articulated skeleton may have been used in the same manner.

Several similar skeletons are known, including one in silver found at Pompeii. This one is bronze. It has pin holes in the joints that show that its limbs and head were separately attached and moveable. Maybe it was posed or even shaken so that it jumped and danced.

This one was perhaps used so often, that it is now missing most of its right-side ribs, and both arms. But it still features its wide, grinning mouth with large upper teeth.

You can read more about this smiling toy skeleton in our online library.