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Various Types Of Granite Head Stones

By Olivia Banks


When making plans for one's burial, it is a common practice to have a commemorative plaque or some type of monument to place atop their interment site. Inscribed with the individual's name along with the dates on which they were born and died, and occasionally an epitaph, it is a way for one to leave their mark upon the world. There are literally thousands of design options for Graves Headstones.

For hundreds of years, people have used stones as a way to mark a burial plot. The earliest forms were made with plain rocks, but as time progressed, people began to write identifying information on the markers in the form of symbols, numbers and words. That soon grew to engraving and the modern concept of specifically designed interment monuments.

Baring the name, birth and death dates and possibly the special sentiments of the deceased, monuments of this type are generally placed at the plot's head. Plaques, low profile slabs, statues and variations of upright stone tablets are just the basic options available. These may be geometrically shaped, cut into symbolic designs like crosses and stars or even be formed as pedestals which can hold urns or other items.

Granite slabs which stand upright on their own or on top of a horizontal base are the most commonly used designed in cemeteries all over the world. Versatility means they may be of simple geometric design or given a bit of flair by shaping the tops into scrolls or domes or cutting them into the form of religious symbols. Many couples and families that are to be interred in the same plot often have each individual's information inscribed on the same stone.

Bevels are a type of marker that has a wide base and a back side that is raised higher than the front by roughly two to four inches. It resembles a thick, flat slab but the angle makes it easier to read and keep clean. Slanted gravestones are quite similar in design though their rear edge is up by about forty-five degrees.

In some of the world's oldest graveyards sit the inspiration for the design of Gothic tablets. Imitating the features that defined Victorian era religious architecture, they have many swirled lines, arches and intricate details such as carvings of angels. These radiate a beauty that is classic and create an intriguing facade.

Another impressive monument style is the obelisk, which resembles a tapering tower with smooth, flat sides. This design was quite popular in the time of the ancient Egyptians and sometimes has figures such as angels, eagles or pyramids perched on its pointed top. These are merely a small example of the many variations of grave headstones now available.




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