Caput Mortuum was a shop in Diagon Alley that advertised itself as an articulator of bones and preserver of animals. Animal bones decorated the exterior of the establishment.[1]
The building was sandwiched between The Magic Lantern and the establishment that housed Flail & Hyde Furriers and Boogermongers.[2]
Etymology[]
Caput mortuum in Latin literally means "dead head". Figurative use from alchemical literature. Its other meanings include "worthless residue, useless substance" and "cardinal purple, a variety of haematite iron oxide pigment".[3][4]
Behind the scenes[]
- "Caput mortuum" is also a colour;[5] Illustrator Jim Kay used this tube of paint on a lot of parts of Diagon Alley.[2][4]
Appearances[]
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: Illustrated Edition (First appearance)
Notes and references[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: Illustrated Edition (see this image)
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: Illustrated Edition (see this video) (from 0:50 to 1:07)
- ↑ caput mortuum on Wiktionary
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Inside The Chamber of Secrets: an interview with illustrator Jim Kay | BfK No. 221 at Books for Keeps (interviewed by Helen Boyle) - "‘Caput Mortuum’ (the Articulator of Bones shop) is actually one of the predominant colours used in painting Diagon Alley, but the name is also associated with Alchemy, it means ‘dead head’ or ‘worthless remains’."
- ↑ Caput mortuum (pigment) on Wikipedia