Symbols of Mortality - Exploring Orkney’s Funerary Art and Architecture

Orkney Museum, 8 February – 1 March 

The hidden meanings behind some of Orkney’s iconic grave markers are the subject of the Orkney Museum’s first exhibition of 2025. 

This Saturday (8 February) sees the opening of ‘Symbols of Mortality: Exploring Orkney’s Funerary Art and Architecture’ by the archaeologist and death historian, Lorraine Evans. 

This collection of stunning photographs and objects tells the story of the hidden meanings behind featured grave markers. From the obvious symbols of death, like the skull and crossbones, to the forgotten language of flower symbolism which was popular in Victorian times. 

Alongside Lorraine, St Magnus Cathedral curator, Fran Flett Hollinrake, has researched the story behind the Next of Kin Memorial Plaque, informally known as the "Dead Man's Penny", which was awarded to the families of fallen soldiers, sailors and fliers of World War One. Fran has delved into the stories behind the men whose Death Pennies have been donated to the Orkney Museum.  

Lorraine explains her fascination with funerary symbolism: “Grave markers are an important part of our heritage and deserve to be treated as such. They reside in a landscape of both poignancy and sadness, their inscriptions and symbolic carvings reflecting the lives, the beliefs and the attitudes to death of past communities and individuals. 

“These symbols usually possess special meanings to those buried there or transmit messages to those visiting, acting as subtle reminders of the deceased or perhaps offering advice to those remaining behind. In turn they provide a window into our ancestors past thoughts and deeds.” 

Fran added: “It’s the individual stories that bring home for me the horrors of the war – those personal details of where they lived, and who they left behind are so poignant.”  

The exhibition opens on Saturday 8 February with a special ‘walk around talk’ by Lorraine on the meaning of the symbols and the changing styles of funerary art. The talk begins at 11am and is free. See press for other tours. 

The Orkney Museum is open Monday-Saturday, 10:30am – 5.00pm. Admission is free.