Unveiling the Stories Within: Symbolism in African American Cemetery Art

In the heart of many historic African American cemeteries lies a visual narrative etched in stone, telling stories of resilience, culture, and remembrance. As we walk through these sacred grounds, we are met with a profound artistic expression that transcends time and resonates with the cherished traditions of a community deeply rooted in history.

Unearthing the Symbols

As I strolled through the serene paths of an Mount Peace cemetery, I was captivated by the intricate symbols adorning the tombstones. Each symbol seemed to whisper tales of a bygone era, waiting to be deciphered. The crossed keys, symbolizing the passage to heaven; the broken chain, depicting the end of life's struggles; and the sacred heart, representing undying love - each motif painting a poignant picture of the beliefs and values held dear by the departed.

The symbolism engraved in these artworks serves as a bridge between the past and the present, allowing us to glean insights into the profound meanings attached to life, death, and the afterlife within the African American community.

The three-linked chain is a symbol of the Order of Odd Fellows, it stands for: Friendship, Love and Truth. Its prescense means that Jesse Harris was a member of a fraternal organization.

The Square and Compass with the "G" in the center is a Masonic symbol. It indicates that Edward Turpin was a Freemason. The symbol is an architect's tool and is a metaphor for how Freemasonry taught its members how to be better men.

A Glimpse into African Traditions

Delving deeper, one can trace the influence of African traditions interwoven into the fabric of cemetery art. From the use of ancestral motifs to the incorporation of spiritual symbols, these artistic expressions bear the imprint of a rich cultural heritage that transcends borders and time. The presence of intricate patterns, reminiscent of traditional African textiles, serves as a visual ode to the ancestors and a testament to the enduring legacy they have left behind.

The seamless fusion of African traditions with Western symbolism in cemetery art not only reflects the resilience of a people but also underscores the importance of honoring one's roots and heritage. You'll also find other everyday items used as funerary objects in African American cemeteries, such as: cups, bottles, glasses, bowls and vases. Essentially, any vessel that could hold water was used to symbolize the West African Bakongo belief which connects the departed to water and their means of travel in the afterlife. Furthermore,

"In Kongo culture, it was believed that any item of significance to the deceased or that had been in contact with a loved one who had passed away would be placed on their grave."

This grave has a seashell on it. This was tradition for many enslaved Africans living in America to mark burials with seashells because they were the symbols of immortality and water, and a way to guide the deceased to afterlife – and thus taking them back home to Africa.

Artistic Expressions of Remembrance

Amidst the silent tombstones and weathered sculptures, a sense of reverence permeates the air, reminding us of the sacred duty to remember and honor our ancestors. The artistic expressions found in African American cemeteries serve as poignant reminders of the lives lived, the struggles endured, and the legacies passed down through generations.

Through these evocative artworks, we are invited to pay tribute to those who came before us, to acknowledge their contributions, and to ensure that their stories are preserved for future generations to cherish.

Jehu Hegamin's headstone has a heart etched on it, bordered by a peace dove and two flowers at either corner. Research determined that Mr. Hegamin was at one time a florist.

A beautiful example of a homemade crafted headstone with a handwritten metal plate. for Daisy Robinson.

Furthermore, some monuments themselves were created from a fully artistic standpoint. For instance, grave markers made out of zinc became a trend. Zinc markers became popular during the 1870s and were touted to be more affordable than bronze yet were made of stone. Marketed as "white bronze'," zinc monuments could be elaborately carved and customized with with scrollwork, wreaths of roses, and family names that appeared to be carved from tree branches. Most of the zinc style markers were more than likely produced by Monumental Bronze Company in Bridgeport, Connecticut between 1874-1912. These style of markers are very beautiful and were considered very modern and progressive for their time.

Beginning in the 1870s, zinc grave markers became popular. Also known as "white bronze," it was a material used for headstones as seen here for Hester Lewis and Lorenzo D. Berry's monument. It's topped with a very sculptural finial.

Embracing the Legacy

In unraveling the symbolism found in African American cemetery art, we embark on a profound journey of discovery, empathy, and remembrance. These sacred grounds hold within them the echoes of the past and the promises of the future, urging us to embrace the legacy of those who have come before us and to honor their memory through the art that speaks volumes even in silence.

As we stand amidst these hallowed grounds, let us be reminded of the enduring power of art to transcend time, culture, and boundaries, weaving together the threads of history into a tapestry of remembrance and reverence.

In exploring the symbolism in African American cemetery art, we not only decipher the meanings behind the motifs but also unravel the stories of a community bound by a shared history, a vibrant culture, and an unbreakable spirit.

Let us walk through these sacred grounds with reverence and gratitude, for in the symbols etched in stone, we find a reflection of our past, a connection to our present, and a bridge to our future.

Through this exploration of symbolism in African American cemetery art, we gain a deeper appreciation for the artistic expressions that serve as gateways to the past and reflections of a rich cultural heritage.