Whats behind the box?

[sydpinman]

Hi
I wasn't sure which section to post this under but someone might be able to help.
This gravestone belongs to one of my relatives.
Can anyone take a guess at what's behind the box. I've blown the photo up but still can't work it out.
Fingers crossed.
Cheers
Phil

[Ruskie]

How fascinating!

Is it just the photo or does the inscription look amateurishly carved? How is the 'box' attached to the outside of the stone? Iis it recessed? Is the 'box' marble ? I wonder if it was purely decorative with nothing behind it.

I wonder if the church holds any records of burials and descriptions of stones? May be some clues there.

I know it would not be right and I would never do it, but if it were my ancestor the temptation to have a little poke around would be very great. 

Added: Looking again, is the box hollow do you think? Whereabouts is James buried?

[sydpinman]

Hi
It's typical of old Irish gravestones, the name is crudely carved. It says James Meenaghan.
What you see is the same the same for me. There is no church there, it's from Pollatomish cemetery in Co. Mayo. The picture is from  http://goldenlangan.com/graves-pt.html
I'm guessing its a plastic box with something eerie looking inside it. One of my English cousins is going over there in October (I'm in Oz), she'll certainly have a look at it if she gets the chance.
Thanks for your help.
Cheers
Phil

[philipsearching]

It could be a rather weathered perspex case containing a head and shoulders photograph, with some object or damage in front of the face.

Philip

[sydpinman]

Hi Phil
From one Philip to another.
I hope you are right, I also thought it might be a photograph.
This could be very interesting.
Cheers
Phil

[weste]

I think that's an excellent suggestion re Perspex case. It does look like how Perspex cracks. It has a head shoulders shape to it inside., if it was higher up you'd think there was a  persons reflection. There's another shape inside. I would be itching to look at it I must admit. Another suggestion some religious type ornament. I wonder how far back into the stone the object goes, it's difficult to tell.

[weste]

I think that's an excellent suggestion re Perspex case. It does look like how Perspex cracks. It has a head shoulders shape to it inside., if it was higher up you'd think there was a  persons reflection. There's another shape inside. I would be itching to look at it I must admit. Another suggestion some religious type ornament. Have you tried googling for the place where the stone is?

[panic]

The box itself seems to have separate sides, the front and top looks to be a single piece, bent and slightly round at the bend. So Perspex is a good call.

[John915]

Good morning,

Inside the "box" is a pressed tin or base metal picture frame similar to below. They are usually given a gilt type finish or a pewter colouring. It is mounted on a small square plinth.

The "box" could also be a block of resinous material with the frame set inside. Resin goes that colour when left in the sun for a long period of time. The crack at top left appears to go a long way in.

John915