Memento Mori Skull Mug

Memento mori translates from Latin (approximately) “bear in mind that you will die.” While the concept has its roots in the classical philosophy of antiquity, it became a feature in medieval funerary art and architecture.

In modern times, one occasionally hears memento mori illustrated by the story that triumphant generals of ancient Rome who parade through the city after battle, accompanied by a slave who holds a crown over the general’s head and whispers in his ear, “memento mori”… you are only a man, and one day you, too, will die. Despite this effective warning against hubris, the triumphant general story is likely a fabrication since it is only mentioned by 2nd century author, Tertullian, without corroboration by other writers of the period.

Dimensions: 4” height x 3.375” diameter, 12-13 ounces

As a handmade mug, dimensions and form vary slight with each one.