Carlton in Clarke County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Mt. Nebo Death Masks
Photographed by Mark Hilton, February 25, 2017
1. Mt. Nebo Death Masks Marker (Side 1)
Born in 1885 near this location, Nettles was described by family as a "brilliant recluse" who studied at Tuskegee University. Though earning his living as a farmer, he received several patents on inventions he created, most notably a child's pedal car. He built other machines around his home in Nettles Quarters
[reverse]
to aid in his farming endeavors. Three of the four death masks are Nettle's family members. The largest gravestone was his mother Selena (d. 1933), which he represented from the waist up and according to some, included her hair. The grave of Angel Ezella Nettles included her face and nickname "Sis Dollie." Another was his wife, Korean (d. 1933), and also featured the faces of his three daughters, Pauline, Marie and Clara. The last mask was Manul Burrell (d. 1946). The death mask gravestones have been recognized as unique and significant by folklorists in the state may be unique in the southeast.
Erected 2016
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Cemeteries & Burial Sites. In addition, it is included in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1885.
Location. 31° 20.797′ N, 87° 52.059′ W. Marker is in Carlton, Alabama, in Clarke County. It is on Mt. Nebo Road 0.4 miles north of Belqueen Road, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Carlton AL 36515, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Hal's Kingdom
Photographed by Mark Hilton, February 25, 2017
2. Mt. Nebo Death Masks Marker (Side 2)
More about this marker. Some maps note Belqueen Road as 'Hals Road.' Recently someone has removed the street signs at the corner of Carlton Road (CR-19) and Belqueen Road and also at Belqueen and Mt. Nebo Road. There are no signs at that corner to indicate the church or cemetery is located in the area (arrow sign-Mt. Nebo is gone). Belqueen and Mt. Nebo Roads are dirt roads.
Regarding Mt. Nebo Death Masks. The death masks or "frozen face" motif has been identified by folklorists as characteristic of African-derived symbolism in African American art. The exact technique used by Nettles to create the gravestones is not known but is thought that the faces of the deceased were pressed in sand
Photographed by Mark Hilton, February 25, 2017
3. Marker near cemetery and south of church.
He also devised a machine he hoped would revolutionize the timber industry and was even asked by the Ford Motor Company to demonstrate his machine. Unfortunately, he died before things could materialize.
Isaac Nettles did not pass on his secrets for the death masks. Only a simple tombstone marks his grave.
Also see . . . Wikipedia article on the gravestone death masks. (Submitted on February 26, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)
Photographed by Mark Hilton, February 25, 2017
4. Mt. Nebo Death Masks
Gravestone of wife of Issac Nettles, and his daughters, on left. Gravestone of Angel Ezella Nettles on right.
Photographed by Mark Hilton, February 25, 2017
5. Mt. Nebo Death Mask of Manul Burell.
This mask was vandalized and was the most detailed of the death mask gravestones in the cemetery. The deceased's shirt collar and buttons are visible on the stone. Only mask not part of artist Ike Nettles family. Note spelling of his name is different from marker.
Photographed by Mark Hilton, February 25, 2017
6. Nearby Mt. Nebo Church.
Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, February 4, 2017
7. Mt. Nebo Death Masks Marker
What is left of the head stone for Selena (possibly Celina) Nettles. It originally depicted her from waist up but was toppled by Hurricane Frederic in 1979.
Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, July 15, 2026
8. Selena Nettles Death Mask and grave
What is left of the head stone for Selena (possibly Celina) Nettles. It originally depicted her from waist up but was toppled by Hurricane Frederic in 1979.
Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, July 15, 2026
9. Selena Nettles Death Mask & Grave
What is left of the head stone for Selena (possibly Celina) Nettles. It originally depicted her from waist up but was toppled by Hurricane Frederic in 1979.
Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, July 15, 2026
10. Manul Burell Death Mask
Credits. This page was last revised on July 22, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 26, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 3,010 times since then and 270 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on February 26, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. 7. submitted on June 13, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. 8, 9, 10. submitted on July 19, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia.
