More Angel Hunting in the 5 Boroughs (Staten Island) Death’s Heads & Winged Soul Effigies

In the oldest cemetery on Staten Island I found another reason to enjoy graving… intricately carved death heads and winged soul effigies, the topic of this angel-ish hunt in the 5 boroughs. Typical of gravestones from the 1600 and 1700’s, these decorative features were the earliest form of funerary art in the United States. And I found these unique and primitive graves on the grounds of the Reformed Church on Staten Island in Port Richmond, establishing in 1680.

The rear section of the cemetery, which backs onto residential homes, has graves from the 1800’s. Totally new school.

Yet nature feels— but ah, he’s gone — For him my tears have flow’d; It is the Lord, his hand I own, He doth what seems him good.

Eerie flying skulls

Human-faced winged effigy-fest starts now.

These stoic faces do not grieve; they face death with courage.

Of course the Death’s Heads were my favorite. They are usually winged skulls. They are meant to represent the unknown after death.

No more we cling to mortal clay, We doubt and weep no more, Nor shrink to … in that mortal fray, Thy blessed comfort stole, Like sunshine in an autumn day

The gang’s all here.

Ok, enough Staten Island! I’m done with you for a while. Now I have just The Bronx to explore to finish up this year’s angel hunting in the 5 boroughs. Perhaps there I will break in my new-to-me camera, an early Christmas present given the level of joy photography brings me.