Grave markers at St. Sava Serbian Cemetery, Jackson, California

(Utah State University, Merrill-Cazier Library, Special Collections & Archives, FOLK COLL 35a, Box 1, 1972.001.007.)

A headstone, tombstone, or gravestone is typically placed over the head of the deceased in the grave and is usually inscribed with the name of the deceased, their birth date, and death date. Many headstones also contain symbols or sayings that allow mourners or visitors to garner more information about the deceased.