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Tomb
Styles
New Orleans'
cemeteries are unique for its number and variety of architectural
styles of tombs and funerary symbolism found on tombs and wall vaults.
Following are a few examples of the numerous styles of tombs that
can be found in New Orleans cemeteries.
- Barrel-vaulted
tomb - tomb characterized by a vaulted roof, usually
constructed of brick and then plastered, and typically employing
a facade variation. Construction of the vaulted ceiling of these
tombs using brick required a fair level of expertise as is amply
illustrated by the masonry-work of this era. Use of the vaulted
ceiling was supplanted by the false lintel slab in the mid-nineteenth
century.
- Pitched
roof tomb - a basic tomb type in which the roof
is pitched, and usually defined either by end gables or a facade
variation. Facades are typically pedimented (triangular), truncated
(a modified pediment in which the top is flat, and usually serves
as the base of a vase, cross, or monument), or elevated with a
center lunette. The pedimented version often contains acroteria
on each end (a corner ornament). This style is found on multiple
and society tombs.
- Pyramid
- a variation of the stepped-tomb, in which instead of a flat
or pitched roof, a pyramid form was used. The Varney Tomb in St.
Louis No. 1 is an example of this rare tomb type.
- Sarcophagus
- literally translated from the Greek, sarcophagus means "to
consume flesh," a meaning which derived from the caustic
properties of the stone from which these stone coffins were traditionally
cut and which insured rapid decomposition of the interred remains.
In its classical form, this tomb style resembles an actual coffin
covered with a heavy stone lid, resting either on a podium or
a low foundation.
- Society
tomb - professional or benevolent societies were
common in the early history of New Orleans and served to administer
to the burial needs of the individuals who belonged to them. There
are many historically important ethnic groups as well as volunteer
firemen groups represented by this tomb style.
- Stepped
tomb - of this tomb type, several variations exist,
the simplest being a low structure with a flat top surmounting
one or more stepped platforms. Modifications include the addition
of an elevated pedimented or truncated facade, and the use of
multiple vertical or horizontal chambers.
- Table
tomb - thought to be a variant of the sarcophagus
type, this tomb has a low, flat "table" top resting
on supports on top of the burial receptacle, which functioned
as a surface for vases and ceremonial libations commemorating
the dead.
- Temple
- a tomb design of a scale evocative of a small
building. A temple tomb of the classical design will typically
display pilasters at each corner or a columned, porticoed facade.
Other designs display more elaborate use of columns, structure,
and ornament.
- Wall
vaults - burial compartments within perimeter of
burial ground. One vault was often used for an entire family.
After a respectable time, the remains of a burial were pushed
to the back where construction of the vault allowed it to fall
to a receptacle below; the space was then ready for another recipient.
These compartments were vaulted in early construction. This later
gave way to the flat marble lintel slab as seen in construction
of wall vaults in Lafayette Cemetery No. 1.
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