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Black and White photography by Jean Lewis

Weston, Metal Cross Grave Markers

Crosses with uplifted spires were preferred by Catholics because they pointed the way to heaven. The Catholic cemeteries in Saunders county are distinctive because of these cast metal grave markers. Charles Andera was famous for his designs. His grave marker crosses are rich in symbolism. Skull and crossbones symbolized man's mortality and had been used in Catholic cemeteries for centuries. He had eight basic designs with angels, cherubs, crucifixes, crown of thorns, the Lamb of God, Jesus and the Virgin Mary, qua-trefoils and trefoils. He worked out of Spillville, Iowa and sold his markers to Czechs all over the United States. His cemetery art is considered a Czech-American treasure. These crosses are in the St. John's Cemetery at Weston. The cross on the right was signed by Andera.

11"H x 14"W


Price:$200.00