These relief faces, carved into unfinished catalpa, basswood or red cedar logs, demonstrate a unique form of wood carving practiced by one of southern Indiana's traditional artists.
Limestone is perhaps the most well-known of Indiana's natural resources.
Therefore, it is no surprise that limestone carving is a respected and well-established form of art. The south cen tral region of Indiana is especially rich in limestone quarries, and numerous limestone mills can be found in the area. These days, limestone carvings range from buffaloes to pillars to birdbaths. At the beginning of the century, limestone tombstone carving was a highly developed form of art. Most often the tombstones were made to resemble tree stumps, often containing objects that symbolized the personality and occupation of the deceased, as well as Christian imagery.