The skyline of St. Louis No. 1, showing a number of family tombs. These tombs are privately owned, and may be used multiple times. After sufficient time has elapsed for an occupant of the tomb to decay, his remains are removed to a chamber in the tomb's foundation, and a new occupant may be placed in the tomb. Many generations may be laid to rest in the same tomb. Unfortunately, as seen in this picture, many of these tombs have fallen into disuse and are now in an advanced state of decay.

This is the restored tomb of Antoine Bonabel. This is a stepped tomb, and is designed for only a single occupant (note that the upper surface of this tomb is seen at the bottom of the picture above). Stepped tombs fell into disuse as the custom of multiple burial spread. Many stepped tombs are actually sinking into the earth, since their weight is poorly distributed over the marshy soil of New Orleans.

A society tomb is seen at the top of this page. These large, often very elaborate tombs were constructed by mutual benevolent associations to provide their members with a place of interment. As can be seen in the photograph, the society tomb shown has spaces for at least 20 caskets on the visible side.

These two friendly looking souls inhabit the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum. I visited the museum after lunch. Voodoo is still a part of New Orleans life, and the museum houses an array of exhibits devoted to its role in the history and culture of the city. The museum also has a shop selling Voodoo dolls, charms, and other unusual souvenirs.