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Celtic Giraffe Research

What is tombstone rubbing?

Tombstone rubbing is the process of laying thin paper over the face, and inscription of a tombstone and using rubbing wax, a crayon, drawing charcoal or chalk to rub an outline of the tombstone inscription onto the paper. Many times a physical impression, as in a tombstone rubbing, will bring out the inscription more easily.

History of tombstone rubbings

The ancient Egyptians were practiced in the art of tombstone rubbing. Most of us are aware of the ornamental carvings, dates, poems and sentimental words written on tombstones. The ancient Egyptians were no exception in putting these same items on their loved ones tombs. Long distances, and sealed tombs, many times separated the ancient Egyptians from the burial place of their loved ones. The only way they could keep a memento of a family tomb was to do a tombstone rubbing of the inscriptions on the tomb. They used papyrus, stones and oils. In later years, and before photography, the necessity of families to move a lot for work or farming was an impetus for tombstone rubbings. This was the only way to keep a record of loved ones grave markings. People emigrating from one country to another in the 17^th and 18^th centuries often brought tombstone rubbings with them in memory of loved ones and as a record of family history. They did not want to feel they abandoned them in the homeland. As well, when the American slaves were finally freed they moved on but wanted to keep a record of the tombstones they left behind. They would do tombstone rubbings and then incorporate one or more rubbings in a quilt, creating a pictorial story of their lives.

Why do tombstone rubbings now?

Time and weather will erode a tombstone. Family history researchers use tombstone rubbings most of the time to help read the inscriptions on a tombstone. A photo is usually a better way to record tombstone data, but if the inscriptions can barely be read a tombstone rubbing usually works better. Some people want to have a tombstone rubbing of a family member’s stone as a memento, for framing, or displaying in some way. Others enjoy the unique grave markers they come across and want to collect them for displaying, as a part of Americana. Some will take rubbings of as many relatives as they can, across the country, photograph the tombstone rubbings and display them in a scrapbook for future generations. It is even possible to set up a business selling framed rubbings of interesting grave stones.

Is tombstone rubbing legal?

Usually tombstone rubbing is legal. Ethically it is important that you take care in your approach to rubbing since it may damage the tombstone if done incorrectly. Some cemeteries require permission, and some cemeteries are completely against it. You will have to contact the person in charge of the cemetery to find out for sure. Usually the local historical society will know also. Some cemeteries are on private property. This makes them private and you will have to ask the owner of the land for permission to visit the cemetery, even if the cemetery once was public. Tombstone rubbings are currently illegal in Massachusetts.

How to do a tombstone rubbing

The items you will need are:

· Black crayons with the paper removed, or chalk

· Long pieces of drawing charcoal (craft or art store has these)

· Roll of rice or tracing paper, large sheets (craft or art store has these) or interfacing fabric (at fabric store, but not cheap)

· Spray bottle full of water

· Very soft bristle brush, such as use for polishing shoes

· Soft tooth brush

· Pencil with good eraser on the end

· Nylon stocking

· Scissors

· Artist or painters tape (easier to remove)

Spray fixative

Here are the steps:

· DO NOT do rubbings on unstable grave markers

· Cut back any weeds or high grass covering parts of the tombstone that you will need

· Spray the stone thoroughly with water and us the soft bristle brush to clean the stone where needed

· Alternately, or in addition, you can wait for the stone to dry naturally, stretch the nylon over the pencil erase and deep clean the inscriptions

· Do not use sticks, wire brushes, paper towels or hard bristle brushes

· Use the nylon to clean away any other excess dirt

· Cut the rice paper to fit over the entire surface and beyond (around to the sides); Make sure it goes beyond where you are rubbing so that you don’t rub onto the actual tombstone

· If using interfacing fabric, use non-fusible medium to heavy weight, and pull tight over the stone

· Tape the paper to the stone but not overly tight or lose

· Do your tombstone rubbing with the sides of the crayons or charcoal and not the tip

· Start at the bottom and go in an upward direction with your strokes

· Do nut rub in various direction since that will produce confusing cross-lines

· Do not rub too hard as it may rip the paper

· When finished, remove the paper and tape, and if possible spray the picture with fixative after it is removed and away from the grave marker

· After it is dry, roll the rubbing with the picture on the inside. A cardboard tube is the best way to transport the finished product!

If you have used interfacing fabric and a crayon, when you get home place the tombstone rubbing face up on an ironing board, put a towel over it and gently iron it with a hot iron pressing down on the towel as opposed to ironing it back and forth as you would a shirt.