To Carve Cemetery Symbolism with Tui Snider Part 1: Secret Societies and Fraternal Groups

Acclaimed cemetery historian and author Tui Snider takes you on a tour of the fascinating and obscure symbolism that span Austin's historic Oakwood Cemetery. In this part, we take a look at the strange gravestone symbols of secret societies and fraternal organizations like the Freemasons, Order of the Odd Fellows and Woodsmen of the World.
To Carve observes the monuments and markers with shapes, symbols and carved details found in different types of stone at Oakwood Cemetery. These functional artworks are also interpreted in different artistic mediums by Austin artists.
There are about 15,000 monuments for about approximately 23,000 burials within 40 acres. There are monuments in granite, marble, limestone, concrete, zinc and a few other materials. There are five mausoleums. There are many obelisks and angels, plus hundreds of examples of architectural shapes and fonts. Symbols are complex and mysterious, and send a message from the past.
Filmed & Edited by Grey Ellis. Jennifer Chenoweth, Laila Labata, Michelle Sefcik, and Marta Stefanuik were behind the scenes.
Part of "To Carve," a digital history exhibit published by the Oakwood Cemetery Chapel.
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