Hands & Figures
Gestures, angels, mourners and human figures whose pose changes the reading.
How to use this collection
Gestures, angels, mourners and human figures whose pose changes the reading. The collection is organized as an identification aid, not a universal codebook. Compare the full design and verify the result with inscription, date and local records.
Angel Carrying a Child
a child received into heaven, innocence and divine guardianship
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Angel Flying
the soul's ascent, rebirth, heavenly movement or divine messenger imagery
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Angel Guarding a Tomb
protection of the resting place and care for the soul
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Angel Holding Flowers
mourning, remembrance and the flower's own symbolic associations
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Angel Praying
intercession, devotion and prayer for the deceased
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Angel Standing
a messenger or guardian associated with spirituality, protection and the passage to heaven
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Angel with Anchor
hope, steadfast faith and safe passage
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Angel with Cross
Christian faith, salvation and guardianship
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Angel with Trumpet
the Last Judgment, resurrection or a heavenly summons
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Angel with Wreath
victory, honor, memory or eternal life
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Blessing Hand
a gesture of benediction; finger position can identify a specific Christian or Jewish tradition
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Cherub
innocence, heaven and memorial art associated especially—but not exclusively—with children
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Christ Figure
explicit Christian devotion; the exact scene or attributes determine the specific meaning
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Clasped Hands
farewell, continuing attachment, marriage, reunion, or fraternal fellowship depending on cuffs and context
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Good Shepherd
Christ as protector and guide, often shown carrying or tending a lamb
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Hand from a Cloud
divine intervention, God receiving the soul, blessing, or a heavenly summons
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Hand Holding a Book
faith, learning, scripture, ministry, or the record of a life
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Hand Holding a Chain
attachment, fellowship, or a broken earthly bond when a link is severed
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Hand Holding a Cross
Christian faith, consolation and trust in salvation
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Hand Holding a Flower
a life remembered through the flower's symbolism; a broken bloom may emphasize an early death
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Hand Holding a Heart
devotion, charity, affection, or a sacred-heart tradition when paired with religious details
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Hand Holding a Scroll
a life recorded, memorial text, achievement or an unfinished story
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Hand Holding a Wreath
memory, victory, honor or a life commemorated
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Hand Holding an Anchor
hope, steadfastness, seafaring identity, or Christian faith
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Hand Pointing Down
the hand of God reaching down, mortality, or sudden death in some traditions
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Hand Pointing Up
hope of heaven, ascent, or the reward of the righteous
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Handshake with Different Cuffs
a bond between two people; contrasting sleeves can suggest spouses or fellowship across death
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Kohen Hands
Jewish priestly blessing and probable Kohen lineage when the paired-hand gesture is correctly formed
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Mourner Leaning on an Urn
grief, remembrance and neoclassical mourning imagery
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Open Hands
supplication, welcome, blessing, surrender, or openness; surrounding text determines the reading
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Praying Hands
devotion, prayer, piety, or commending the deceased to God
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Weeping Angel
mourning, grief and the sorrow of those left behind
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Winged Cherub Head
a soul effigy, heavenly innocence or the transition from mortality imagery to more hopeful iconography
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Woman Clinging to a Cross
faith amid grief; often linked to the visual tradition of the hymn “Rock of Ages”
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