Kirkmichael Graveyard - stones and symbolism

The type of gravestones found at Kirkmichael are typical of most post reformation churches in Scotland. There are four main types; recumbent slab, table slab, mural or wall plate and finally the headstone. Of these four the headstone became increasingly common from the 1650s onwards. There are many theories for this however what can be agreed, due to the cessation of burial within churches, is the development of private burial enclosures or sepulchres with wall panels for the well to do, and markers with varying ornamentation level dictated by cost and/or material availability for the less well off.

Earlier Christian cross form of headstone gave way to one of a less eccelesiastical significance, due partly to a requirement for better burial place organisation and without doubt the person appointed to break the earth would need to know where previous internments were in increasingly more crowded burial areas. Headstones needed, due to a 1576 decree; inscriptions, that shall notifie the names of the deceissit to the Reidars and this should be in a place well walled and fenced about, and kept for that use only. Kirkmichael has all of the above forms and is a fascinating window; not only on Scottish funerary practice, but on the improved means and education indicated by the changes from simple grave markers to the more highly ornamented and detailed memorials.

Symbolism

Part of DDMH recumbent stone at Kirkmichael showing"curled wig on skull". The significance is unclear.