Clasped Hands: Symbolism in New Orleans Cemeteries

In the forward of this book Jessie J. Poech, Professor of Art History at Newcomb College, Tulane University wrote, "Fewer people have taken the time to study the rich variety of carved symbolism found more often in later cemeteries of the city." He went on to say "Much of this carving occurs on more modest gravestones and dates from the middle years of the nineteenth century and onward." In most all representations of a man and woman holding hands, the woman's hands are always to the left with the mans hands to the right. This symbol means "holy-matrimony-of union."