Internship Week 2: Research

Internship Week 2

For the research period of my internship I was assigned two readings about historic cemeteries. The first reading was an excerpt from American Antiquity by Edwin Dethlefsen and James Deetz, titled "Death's Heads, Cherubs, and Willow Trees: Experimental Archaeology in Colonial Cemeteries". The journal illustrates the use of symbolism and common motifs in the colonial cemeteries in the New England. The three main motifs that were discussed in this journal were Death's Heads, Cherubs, and Willow Trees. These three symbols were commonly placed on gravestones during the colonial period. They are referred to as the universal motifs and they give insight into the culture of New England during the colonial period.

"Universal Motifs" from American Antiquity

The first image showcases the Death's Head motif. This is the oldest symbol to be found on New England gravestones. Cherubs begin to appear on headstones around the middle of the 18th Century. Both the Death's Head and Cherubs become more simplified over the years. It can be inferred that societal changes caused the simplification of the folk art. Lastly, the Willow Tree motif were used in the end of the 18th century. It was the last of the three styles to be used. 

"Cherubs Designs" by Lamson Family of Charlesdown, Massachusetts seen in American Antiquity

The journal also goes into detail on how cultural changes affected the art featured on the gravestones. Originally, the afterlife and resurrection were not themes presented on the colonial gravestones. However, during a period of cultural change, beliefs of resurrection became popular and began showing on folk art. The image above clearly shows the change in art styles through the 18th century. The first gravestone, labeled A, shows an elaborate design with many features. While gravestones B and C become less decorative. Ultimately, the gravestones lose most of the features shown in the first gravestone and become extremely simplistic. The ways name were written on the stone exhibit the culture's gender roles and bias. At times the way names were written showed a fraternal bias, while other times a maternal bias, and occasionally it showed neutrality. 

When I am conducting my personal research of historic cemeteries I have to keep in mind that culture affects folk art. As a society's ideas change, so does what they present on their gravestones. There is always a correlation between society and art. A lot can be learned about a society by dissecting the themes they utilize on their gravestones. I must look for common themes and do research to see their societal meaning. I have to look at all aspect of the gravestones so I can fully understand the stories of those resting in the cemetery.  

Works Cited

Dethlefsen, Edwin. and Deetz, James. (1996)  Death's Heads, Cherubs, and Willow        
         Trees. American Antiquity, Vol. 31, No. 4, pp. 502-510