headstones

A headstone, or grave marker, is a stone erected at a burial site to identify the deceased and record basic information such as name, dates of birth and death, and sometimes a brief epitaph. While the term often refers to an upright stone placed at the head end of a grave, it is used loosely to include flat markers, plaques, and other commemorative stones that mark a burial location.

Headstones are made from durable stone or metal, with granite and marble among the most common materials. Other options include limestone, sandstone, and bronze plaques set into a stone base. Typical forms include upright tablets, obelisks, bevels, and flat or flush markers that lie level with the ground. Size, appearance, and maintenance requirements are often governed by cemetery rules and local regulations.

Inscriptions usually record the deceased's name, birth and death years, and sometimes relationship or a short inscription (epitaph). Some markers bear portraits, reliefs, or symbols such as crosses, trees, or religious motifs. In many cultures, the headstone serves both as a personal memorial and as a navigational or genealogical reference for descendants and researchers. Weathering, vandalism, and restricted budgets influence legibility over time; preservation practices advise gentle cleaning and avoiding harsh chemicals.

Historically, headstones have evolved from simple memorial stones in ancient civilizations to elaborate monuments in medieval and early modern Europe, then standardized cemetery markers in the 19th and 20th centuries with the spread of public cemeteries. Cultural practices vary: in some regions the entire monument is at the head of the grave; in others there may be a separate footstone or a family monument. Maintenance includes landscape care and restoration of inscriptions.