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The Association for Gravestone Studies - FAQ Page 8 of 13 <br />• Good water supply <br />• Non-ionic Detergent (Photo -Flo --Kodak product). <br />• 1/4 oz./5quarts water. <br />• Ammonia --1 cup/lgal. water (for marble only) <br />• Calcium Hypochlorite (granular) -2 oz.dry/1 gal. warm water <br />• Assortment of brushes (NOT WIRE) of varyimg stiffness. <br />• Toothbrushes (firm), sponges <br />• Scrapers- craft sticks, plastic scrapers <br />POULTICE --SOFTENING <br />• Kaolin/porcelain clay (dry), <br />• Glycerine (use 50/50 mixture with water) <br />• Water <br />• Saran Wrap and heavy plastic for wrapping <br />• Tape/ string to secure plastic <br />• Scrapers- plastic and wood <br />CLEANING NO -NO'S <br />• Wire brushes, metal instruments, abrasive pads (Scotchbrite, Brillo, <br />Steel wool) <br />• Acid or acidic cleaners (especially on marble or limestone!) <br />(Should only be used by conservators with proper training on non - <br />calcareous stone) <br />• Household cleaners: soap (Ivory), detergents (liquid or powder), <br />Borax, Clorox, TSP, Calgon, Fantastik, Formula 409, Spic and <br />Span (or any other abrasive cleaner) <br />REMEMBER: The use of improper cleaning materials and practices can <br />cause serious and irreparable damage to gravestones! Make sure the stone <br />is stable before attempting to clean it - no flaking, delaminating, etc. <br />See Preservation for information on how to cast a new base for a broken <br />gravestone, and several other frequently asked questions. <br />Svmbolism on Gravestones <br />6 Jessie Lie Farber <br />What is the meaning of the designs carved on old gravestones? This <br />question is often asked by both the interested layman and the serious <br />student of gravestone art. A great deal of casual speculation and <br />considerable scholarly research have been devoted to finding answers. <br />Speculative interpretations of some of the more obvious designs can safely <br />be made by the insightful observer. The winged hourglass, for example, <br />tells us that time flies; the hourglass on its side, that time has stopped for <br />the deceased; the broken flower or tree, that life has been cut short. <br />Hundreds of other designs invite this kind of easy, simplistic <br />http://www.gravestonestudies.org/faq.htm 3/12/04 <br />