Albuquerque, New Mexico

Free-Range Figurines:  He is up on all fours getting ready to ward off any intruders. You might call him a grave guardian; and, if so, his ideological lineage goes back to the sphinx of ancient Egypt. Cemeteries are scattered with sculptural figurines like this, and often they are not part of a headstone or individual memorial. Sunset Memorial Park. [2013]

Selma, Alabama

Canine Grave Guardians:  They are far too friendly looking to be grave guardians.  Maybe they're shabtis outside the tomb rather than inside like their ancient Egyptian ancestors. Whatever role they play, they won't be lonely because there are two of them. Look closely and you will see a few more shabtis. Lincoln Cemetery. [2013]

Covington, Georgia

Canine Grave Guardians:  Man's best friend: in life and in death. A dachshund stands guard at his master's grave, looking as sad as every visitor who comes to pay their respects. Southview Cemetery. [2015]

Richmond, Virginia

Canine Grave Guardians:  Grave guardians have been at work since before the Sphinx was born at Giza. In that role today, dogs are popular, and this Newfoundland guards one of the most popular places to visit in Hollywood Cemetery, not because of the child's grave it marks but because everybody loves dogs. Artists, practicing alchemy, come to turn cast iron into charcoal, often for an art class. Hollywood Cemetery. [2012]

Itasca, Texas

Grave Guardians ~ Egyptian Revival?  The Christian Era brought to an end the belief in pagan spirits. But, the concept of the grave guardian continued. Angels took their place. In fact, the adjective that most often precedes angel is "guardian." Like their heathen ancestors, they live in the realm of supernatural beings. Luke Tipton Cemetery. [2012]

College Park, Georgia

Grave Guardians ~ Egyptian Revival?  Another grave guardian from the world of American sport. Do you recognize him? He's the Georgia bulldog, and he commands the loyalties of all University of Georgia football fans. Would you want him by your side as you stand before Osiris, the ancient Egyptian god of the underworld, in the Hall of Judgement? College Park Cemetery. [2015]

Lewisburg, Pennsylvania

Grave Guardians ~ Egyptian Revival?  Are the Giza Sphinx and the Nittany Lion comparable when you find them graveside? Aren't they both guardian spirits? Now have some fun. Count the toes on each foot; count the toes on the headstone pawprints; compare. Ready to track down the story? It will lead you to State College, Pennsylvania, and to the way in which pop culture transforms our lives even unto death. Just read the epitaph: "Some people come into our lives and quietly go. You came into my life and left a pawprint on my heart. And it will never be the same." Lewisburg Cemetery. [2013]

Source: D.J.Z.

Miami, Florida

Egyptian Revival ~ Pyramids:  Napoleon, probably imagining himself as Pharaoh, invaded Egypt in 1798. As a result, the aesthetic of ancient Egypt re-entered the Europeanized world. The Egyptian Revival hit architecture first, then it hit the cemeteries. It continues to this day. If a pyramid was fit for a pharaoh, then it would be fit for Mary Hecht, department store heiress who died in 1982. Woodlawn Park Cemetery. [2014]

Gouldtown, New Jersey

Irish Clover as Totem:  Here lies what appears to be a mother and daughter equally proud of their Irish heritage. Not only is there a three-leaf clover over each name, but there's just a wee bit of the Irish tongue there, too. "My soul friend" says one.  "Love forever" says the other. St. Patrick's Day is tomorrow! Gouldtown Memorial Park. [2013]