A grave slab found inside the North Transept of St Clements Church, Rodel, on the Isle of Harris in the Western Isles. It is dated 1725 and came from a caibeal outside near the tower, the initials probably stand for Roderick Campbell and his wife Ann MacSween (Campbell may have been a former Chamberlain of Harris).
I remember it being really quite dark in there and with my "Special Lady” (Pentax-A 50mm F1.2), I was on the limits of my hand holding capabilities. I was kinda stuck here, small building, short on time, no flash and tripod rules, just had to go with what I had available, breath slowly, lean on a wall and squeeze one off like a marksman.
The emblems of mortality and immortality were seldom used after the 18th Century, but I am able to give you a wee bit of insight into them...
Left Top, Coffin - The shape was usually realistic and is normally recognisable, in 18th Century as here, one coffin was often placed in a row of symbols.
Middle top, Death's Head - The skull was used to represent death, a reminder that death comes to everyone. Its is often shown as here, with deep eye sockets and triangular nose.
Top Right, Hour Glass - This indicates the passing of time and can be portrayed either vertical or a horizontal position. It is usually carved realistically and it's plump shape lent itself to carving in high relief.
Lower Left, Bones - These often accompanied the Death's Head (Middle Top) and were shown like this crossed.
Lower Middle, Deid Bell - The Deid Bell was rung to give notice of funerals and at the funeral itself.
Lower Right, Sexton's Tools - The spade and the turf cutter, the latter has a triangular blade and very often the tools are shown crossed, as here.
Hope you find this additional information interesting.