This photo of the grave marker of Sarah Wood shows an example of a “death’s head” or “winged skull” that was a popular image used on markers from the 1700s.
“The death’s head was a more earthly and neutral symbol, serving as a graphic reminder of death and resurrection.” (James Deetz, In Small Things Forgotten, 1977)
Other gravestones of Essex County:
Gravestone of Sarah Wood (d. 1775), Boxford
Gravestone of David Plummer (d. 1801), Gloucester
“
In Memory of
Mrs. Sarah
The Wife of
Mr. Jonathan
Wood Who died
Septr the 11th 1775
Citation
Photographed by Rebecca Zimmerman.
Using Essex History 
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