Strange but True: Spice Skulls

Kitchen spices used as a medium in an art installation sounds pleasant enough, right? But what about when they're meticulously glued together to form tiny, realistic skulls?

That's what these Spice Skulls by artist Helen Altman are: little bitty skulls made of paprika, mustard, fennel, poppy seeds, and more. She glues together each individual piece of spice to create the skulls, which when displayed together show the array of colors derived from the spice cabinet.

What do you think? Too macabre for your "taste", or an awesome celebration of spices?

See more at Museum of Arts and Design and Helen Altman's webpage.

(Images: Museum of Arts and Design, Helen Altman)

Categories: Supplies, Baking Ingredients, Rice & Grains, Spices

Posted by Regina Yunghans

Regina is an architect who lives with her husband and son in Lawrence, KS. As a LEED Accredited Professional and longtime contributor to Apartment Therapy and The Kitchn, her focus is on healthy, sustainable living through design.
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Comments (11)

This is amazing!

Want.

I like it!

I wouldn't imagine that she glued each individual piece of each spice. It's more likely that she mixed each spice with the glue, then poured/pressed them into a non-stick mold.

Either way, they look awesome. I'd love to have something like that hanging on one of the walls of my kitchen.

Bit of a waste, I think. I'd rather have my miniature skulls made out of plaster and use the spices in my food.

Too creepy for me, especially the "hairier" ones. *shudders*

This is part of a great show at a great museum. Anyone in the NYC area should go check out the museum when they have a chance.

Fantastic!

That is freaking awesome.

i really want to drop one into a pot of stew to freak out guests!

Love it!