Types of Grave Markers
From simple wooden crosses to elaborate mausoleums, humans have sought to mark the burying places of the dead. Grave markers serve as memorials to the dead, revealing information such as the name of the deceased, birth and death dates and memorial inscriptions. Modern grave markers may include pictures and even video of the deceased in life.
Headstone
A granite or marble headstone is perhaps the most traditional grave marker. Headstones may be simple stone slabs or elaborately carved. Single headstones mark the graves of individuals, while double or even triple headstones can be selected for couples or families. Headstones are usually engraved with information about the deceased and an epithet commemorating their life. Modern headstones may feature photographs of the deceased under glass. One company, Vidstone, embeds a video monitor in a headstone which plays an 8-minute video of the deceased when a button is pressed. The equipment is solar powered by solar cells, also on the headstone.
Memorial Bench
An alternative to a headstone is a memorial bench made of concrete or granite. A plaque attached to the bench offers information about the deceased. Memorial benches provide a resting place for visitors to the cemetery. They may be used instead of or in addition to a more traditional marker.
Statuary
Statues of angels were once popular grave markers for deceased children. Figures of crosses or masonic emblems have also been used to mark graves. Regulations in many modern-day memorial gardens and cemeteries prohibit the use of nonconventional markers such as statuary.
Plaque
Many modern cemeteries and memorial gardens encourage the use of simple brass plaques to mark graves. Like headstones, these plaques are engraved with information about the deceased. The brass holds up well to weathering and the small size of the plaques, set flush to the ground, makes for easy maintenance of the surrounding grounds.
Mausoleum
Sometimes known as grave houses or crypts, a mausoleum may contain the remains of a single person or an entire family. Mausoleums are popular in low-lying areas where a high water table makes conventional burial impractical. Visitors to New Orleans can take City of the Dead tours to see the many ornate grave houses in cemeteries there.
