Grave memorials as cultural heritage in western Sweden with focus on the 1800s - a study of materials, society, inscribed texts and symbols

The objective of this book is to study grave memorials as cultural expressions of the time in which they were erected. The period under study extends from the early 1800s, when permanent grave memorials began to be erected at cemeteries in Sweden, to the 1900's. The analysis concentrates on the following aspects of the topic: materials, social differences, gender, age, view on life/afterlife, protection, anonymity-collectivity- individuality. As a result of the analysis of messages on grave memorials, the author also addresses cultural heritage issues: what should be selected and defined as cultural heritage and thus should be preserved and made available for posterity?