Man's innermost structure was the inspiration for this headstone, while also making sure to create a new and interesting headstone that can bring family members together. The modular parts of the headstone forms a stable skeleton. The name Skelett comes from the swedish word for Skeleton.
The headstone is based on brass frames shaped like extruded triangles, a subtle flirtation to the church and the Holy Trinity. Each frame comes alone and is not much in itself, but when multiple frames are put together interesting shapes can be created. Each frame may also include a stone representing a person. By fitting stones in several frames and arranging the frames into a form, many family members can be represented in the same headstone.
The frames of brass are mobile , reusable and can be assembled on any desired gravesite . When the gravesite no longer is in use you can either unmount the frames completely for storage or rebuild the headstone with a diffrent shape and name/stone.
By using stone as material in the frames we created a similarity to traditional headstones, although other weather-resistant materials may also be used. The advantage over an ordinary headstone is that Skelett uses a much smaller piece of stone, that means less environmental impact and easier handling. If the family members no longer wish to maintain the gravesite there is a possibility to bring their deceased stones home with them.
The idea for the headstone was born from the thought of why headstones were bound to be solid and made of stone. Why would it not be possible to create a nice monument that was hollow, where only outlines of the contour was enhanced. To create a beautiful sculpture that would be worthy of the deceased only using a framework.
To inspire the project I watched a lot of buildings, architecture and art in which "skeleton structures" often are used. Numerous of modular forms and solutions have been investigated. Extruded triangles was eventually chosen because of their easy installation and simple yet elegant expression. Something that fits well in a cemetery.
Brass was chosen as the main material because of its good aging properties as a headstone often remain for generations. Brass gets covered with verdigris over time, creating a subtle patina.
Each triangular module measures 40 cm. Various forms and expressions can be created with the triangular frameworks as building blocks. Below shows four different proposals, but the possibilities are many. Other materials for the stone itself can be used to create variety in the cemetery.
The modular system is designed so that as few parts as possible are needed. For example, the same triangular plate is used up and down in each frame. The parts are screwed together for maximum flexibility and ease of maintenance. When a stone is to be mounted in a frame the screws are loosened and the stone is lowered into the frame. The stone is held in place with three spikes in the top and bottom of each frame.
The modular system allows each frame to be disassembled individually if more stones are to be mounted or if specific parts need to be replaced. Mounting is done with special screws using triangular shaped screw head and "clips". This is partly done to relink to the headstones main shape but mainly to prevent unauthorized persons to dismantle the headstone. The same triangle pattern is used in the bolts attaching the headstone to the foundation. Foundation in general are the same as for others tombstones.
