holy cows

 

In the Texico Cemetery, the Ortiz family plot abuts pasture land.  Tumbleweeds line the boundary between the cemetery and adjacent acreage.  The original purpose of fences in cemeteries was two-fold -- to protect the graves from cattle and define the family plots.  When the popularity of municipally owned cemeteries grew, fences and other borders became a way to mark a family's burial plot as well as to keep people from tampering with flowers left or to keep stray animals from wandering onto the grave. The type of border used depended on the financial resources of the family. The Ortiz family, perhaps of modest means, has simple iron posts topped with crosses.  In earlier times, the family could order ironwork in a variety of styles from pickets and hairpins or posts that were panel, square or scrolled.  In any case, the Texico cows are more interested in the photographer than the denizens of the graveyard.

 

Texico Cemetery

Texico, New Mexico

1.2.2014