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 Question: What is the difference between a sarcophagus and a monolith? Are they the same thing? Thanks for your informative articles on memorialization.
Answer: Thank you for your kind words. A sarcophagus and a monolith are similar in that both may be rather sizeable in width, however, that is where the similarities end. The sarcophagus may use multiple bases, while the monolith does not use a base.
McNeel’s “The Greatest Name in Stonecraft” describes the monolith. On page 224 McNeel presents a drawing of a monolith with the Teller name engraved on the face of the memorial.
Teller
Page 224
B
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Length x Width x Height
Option A
4-0 x 0-8 x 2-10 Die
Option B
4-6 x 0-10 x 3-0 Die
Option C
5-0 x 1-0 x 3-4 Die
Option D
6-0 x 1-2 x 4-0 Die
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As is common with the McNeel treatise, multiple sizes are presented. The smallest size is 4 feet long while the longest is 6 feet. The widths dimensions range between 8, 10,12, and 14 inches. The height ranges between 2 feet 10 inches, 3 feet, 3 feet 4 inches, and the largest is 4 feet tall. Note that there are no sub-bases or bases and, for better or worse, the monolith is one piece.
McNeel references the symbolism on the Teller stating, “The Ivy Leaves symbolize Memory and Faithfulness.” McNeel makes clear throughout that symbols have meaning. Unfortunately for most of us, the meanings of the symbols are esoteric to most persons outside the field of memorialization.
Stylistically, the Teller has a flat top with a scotia on the top sides, various checks that are linear cuts. The sides have small shoulders with nosing before the monolith reaches the bottom of the tablet. Limited base relief is used for the ivy leaves encircled on the front of the tablet.
Should you desire to have a better explanation of the terms used within the monument industry, our Terminology Section on ValdostaMemorials.com provides an informative presentation that may give you ideas for building your family a beautiful heirloom memorial.
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