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)
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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
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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
Read my blog here
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