Unknown Grave

I was attracted to this unmarked grave. It is in the graveyard behind an old church in Tulbagh. There are a number of these unmarked graves, but dotted throughout those are some marked ones, most of which are for children. There was something rather poignant about this one with its broken vase.
The church was erected in 1743. It is the oldest church building in South Africa still in use in its original form.
Family histories and local tragedies, such as the great influenza epidemic of 1915, are reflected in the inscriptions on the gravestones. The numerous cement crosses replace the gravestones washed away when the Malkops River flooded its banks in the early 1950s. Tulbagh also suffered an earthquake on 29th September 1969.
For another view of the graveyard: http://365project.org/salza/365/2012-03-15
Alternate capture: http://365project.org/salza/extras/2014-03-06

[Shanne]

lovely tones

[OBM Creations]

I like the composition, Sally.

[Ann H. LeFevre]

This definitely grabs you and makes you wonder about who put it there and why. Great shot.

[Shepherdman's Wife]

Wonderful find!

[Lyn Berriman]

That is such a wonderful photo of such a sad place.

[Sue Wilde]

Gorgeous shot. Love the neglect

[Gena Pegg]

Love the composition, textures, light and story!

[Candace]

Love the vase ornamenting the grave marker, the history was awesome!

[Susan Golding]

Nice composition. Really get the feel of the place.

[Eric di Bosco]

Quite interesting, this large number of similar crosses...could it have come from state funerals long ago?

[Suse♡]

That´s so sad, unmarked graves I mean, makes me think the story behind it

[Chris]

Photographs taken in graveyards are always so evocative but this one even more so. I read your commentary with great interest, Sally.

[Paula W]

A poignant image Sally, very interesting to hear the story of this graveyard too.

[Katie]

Really evocative. So many lost stories.

[Tricia Kano]

beautiful capture and really makes me think.

[Leana Niemand]

A great shot Sally - I think the tone gives it an even more lonely feeling.

[Chris]

Beautiful to see that somebody cares - and a lovely shot.

[summerfield]

this graveyard is a silent bystander to the history of the unknown people buried there. a poignant capture for sure. lovely tones and texture contrasts.