This is an email sent via the SHCG List. If you reply to this message, your message will be sent to all the people on the list, not just the author of this message. --------------- Hi Leah, Not sure if you're aware, but the picture on the urn is highly symbolic. Through symbolism, you can gain understanding into social attitudes at the time, family and religious sentiments, as well as possible information about the deceased. Cherubs are angelic and when playing a trumpet (right cherub) symbolise rebirth/resurrection. This shows a strong religious sentiment and belief in the afterlife. The arrow in the middle cherub is likely to symbolise love and is most likely representative of God's love and/or love of the family for the deceased. The cherub at the left seems to be playing a pan pipe. The pan pipe most often symbolises truth in God and God's mercy. I hope this helps somewhat. What's happening on the other side of the urn? I would agree that the urn was most probably used on the grave for flowers. Regards, Catherine Catherine Brew BLArch (UNSW), Grad. Dip. Heritage Studies (UNE) Partner at Red Plait Interpretation LLP Tel: +44 (0)1305 822691 Mob: +44 (0)7717 885564 W: www.redplaitinterpretation.com 30 Reforne, Easton, Portland, DT52AL, Dorset, UK Registered Limited Liability Partnership No: OC350167 Follow us on <http://www.facebook.com/redplaitinterpretation> Facebook and <https://twitter.com/#!/RedPlaitInterp> Twitter From: Social History Curators Group email list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of leah mellors Sent: 10 February 2014 13:34 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Information needed This is an email sent via the SHCG List. If you reply to this message, your message will be sent to all the people on the list, not just the author of this message. ------------------------------- Hi all I have come across this object in our collection and would really like some more information about it. On our database, it is listed as a "grave urn" but there is no other information. My assumption is that it is a decorative vase that would have been placed on a grave, rather than an urn for cremated remains, but I'd be really interested in other ideas. Has anyone come across something similar? Many thanks Leah Mellors Social History Curatorial Trainee Heritage Lottery Fund, Skills for the Future Programme Culture Coventry 024 7623 4557 <mailto:[log in to unmask]> [log in to unmask] Read my blog <http://socialhistorytrainee.wordpress.com/> here <http://www.prioryvisitorcentre.org/> <http://www.luntromanfort.org/> <http://www.theherbert.org/> <http://www.transport-museum.com/> ccemailfooter ccemailfooter2 This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. Use of the information by anyone else is prohibited. If you have received this email in error please contact the sender with details. Finally, the recipient should check the email and any attachments for the presence of viruses. The email has been virus checked but the company accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus transmitted by this email. Culture Coventry Limited; Registered in Cardiff, Wales, No. 8359113; Registered under the Charities Act 1960, Registration No. 1152899 CTM Ventures Limited - Registered in Cardiff, Wales, No. 5263892 CTM Events Limited - Registered in Cardiff, Wales, No. 8108478 Registered Offices - Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Jordan Well, Coventry CV1 5QP The SHCG list is provided for members of Social History Curators Group to discuss subjects relevant to social history in museums. To join SHCG visit www.shcg.org.uk . Opinions expressed in this email are the responsibility of the author and are not necessarily shared by SHCG. To leave the list do not reply to this message but send an email to [log in to unmask] with a blank subject line and these words as the body of the email: SIGNOFF SHCG-LIST The SHCG list is provided for members of Social History Curators Group to discuss subjects relevant to social history in museums. To join SHCG visit www.shcg.org.uk . Opinions expressed in this email are the responsibility of the author and are not necessarily shared by SHCG. To leave the list do not reply to this message but send an email to [log in to unmask] with a blank subject line and these words as the body of the email: SIGNOFF SHCG-LIST