Memento Mori: Classifying Nineteenth Century Ontario Gravestones

Ontario gravestone iconography exhibits a remarkable progression of artistic, cultural and religious expression throughout the nineteenth century. Unfortunately the study of gravestone motifs has been largely ignored by those transcribing data in Ontarios early cemeteries. It is imperative this information, along with motifs, be recorded before it is lost to us. Gravestone iconography can be organized into simple stylistic categories which would allow for a standardized approach when recording gravestone information. Much of Ontarios gravestone research is done by local genealogical and historical societies working in isolation. Sharing gravestone data using a common classification system would aid in developing perspectives into topics such as carving traditions, economic status and gravestone choice across local and regional lines. This information would shed light on the entire gravestone industry and provide researchers with the background necessary to study motifs more closely.