In the 18th century, wax anatomical models known as “Anatomical Venuses” were created to teach anatomy. These models often depicted a female figure with her internal organs, including bones, exposed. They were both educational tools and objects of art, highlighting the beauty and complexity of the human body.
The idea of skeletons dancing dates back to medieval times and has been depicted in various artworks and stories. One famous example is the “Dance of Death” motif, where skeletons are shown dancing with people from all walks of life, symbolizing the universality of death.
During the Soviet era in Russia, when Western music was banned, people would create bootleg records called “bone music” by etching soundtracks onto discarded X-ray films, which were then cut into makeshift records. These records were known as “rib bone” or “bone music” due to their material.

Bones are closely associated with death and the skeletal remains of living organisms. In many cultures, skeletons and bones are symbols of death and are often used in depictions of the afterlife. They are often depicted in artwork and mythology as reminders of the inevitable end of life and the journey into the unknown realms beyond.
The Latin phrase “memento mori,” meaning “remember that you will die,” is often associated with images of skeletons and bones. These images serve as a reminder of the transitory nature of life and the need to live mindfully and with purpose.
In some cultures, bones have been used for divination practices. This involves casting or throwing bones and interpreting their positions and patterns to gain insights into the future or to seek guidance from spirits.They are often depicted as having magical properties and are used in spells, potions, and rituals for protection, healing, and divination. Additionally, bones are sometimes believed to retain the essence or spirit of the deceased, leading to practices of ancestor veneration and bone collecting.