The 5th in a lengthy series featuring handshakes found on gravestones throughout the midwest, mainly in Nebraska, Iowa and Kansas.

A handshake in this context is usually matrimonial in nature and signifies a lifelong commitment, for better or worse, in sickness and in health, broke or not....

this handshake is a bit unusual as the right index finger of the hand on the right is extended, in martial arts, Diato Ryu Akijujitsu (ancestor to Aikido), the extended right finger signifies a directing of energy, some of your own, and some of the attacker's.
This hand position in Diato Ryu is for joint locks and manipulation, bending the hand in this manner wrist up, or with wrist down depending on technique and attackers actions and position.

Regardless, a handshake is sacred, it denotes an agreement, or a greeting/departure with good wishes and thoughts.

This is something that is largely ceremonial in nature now days, with little meaning or reverence for the original intent and meaning, just as in today's martial arts.

Springfield Cemetery
Springfield Nebraska
14 May 2011

This series and image is dedicated to one King Richard, the Black Knight.