Abstract: A skeletal composite material includes an internal skeleton structure surrounded by a matrix material. The skeleton structure and the matrix are made of different materials having different properties. It should be appreciated that the skeleton structure and the matrix can be made of any suitable material including metal, ceramic, carbon, polymers, or combinations of these materials. Preferably, the skeleton structure and/or the matrix are made primarily of metal or ceramic. The skeletal composite material can be made by filling a skeleton structure with powder, compacting the skeleton structure and powder to form a preform, and consolidating the preform to form the skeletal composite material.