Gravminner

Gravminner is a Norwegian term for grave markers or memorials placed at burial sites. They serve to identify the deceased, commemorate their life, and mark the location of a grave. Gravminner range from simple headstones to more elaborate monuments, including grave slabs, steles, and family memorials. Common materials include stone (granite, marble), as well as metal elements or wood, depending on local tradition and climate. Inscriptions typically include the deceased's name, dates of birth and death, and sometimes a short epitaph, personal message, or religious symbol such as a cross. In many cemeteries, gravminner are arranged in plots or rows, and may be the responsibility of next of kin, cemetery administration, or religious communities.

Design and symbolism vary by culture and era. Some gravminner are simple and functional; others reflect artistic styles or family heritage. They can be refurbished or replaced over time; inscriptions may weather and require conservation. In some countries and regions, gravminner are protected as cultural heritage assets and subject to preservation regulations. Modern practices include digital cataloging and mapping of gravminner in cemetery registries and heritage databases.