The use of stones to mark graves dates to biblical times, when persons were buried on their own land, as well as in caves. Markers or piles of stones ensured that the ground was not disturbed after burial by digging, plowing, or building. Vertical markers termed matzevot, a Hebrew word used to describe the stone Jacob placed over the grave of Rachel in Genesis 35:20, varied in height from about three feet to five feet and were usually rectangular, sometimes with rounded or pointed crests.

click on image to enlarge Gravestone with bookcase, Łowicz, Poland, 1700(?)/ courtesy Jewish Historical Institute, Warsaw, photo by Jan Jagielski	click on image to enlarge Gravestone, Mszczonów, Poland, 1831 / photo by Monika Krajewska, Warsaw

The oldest Ashkenazi (Eastern European Jewish) gravestones date from the eleventh century. One finds Messianic imagery in gravestone carving similar to that employed in synagogue and ark decoration. In addition, signs and symbols, words, acronyms, and verses relate directly to the deceased, conveying occupation, interests, and deeds
enacted in life, as well as the prayers, psalms, and sayings the living wished to
accompany the dead.