This is that: Sacrifice...or preparation?

What is it about splaying women on top of grave monuments or in other poses that suggest they're about to become (or already have become) victims of some ritual? Whatever it is, I find it hot as hell, and I hope you do too. Here are a few of my favorite examples of the phenomenon. At left is a series of photos I found on Nick Santoso's gallery at Model Mayhem. Note not only the woman on the gravestone at the end, but also the woman just above her, who looks like a third bride who got edited out of Big Trouble in Little China. All she's missing are the white eyes.

Just below are shots from Natalie Lines, the Yerbury Studios website, and Nicholas Taylor. Now here are images from Draconian Artworks, Luis Royo, and Nic Marchant. Lastly, here's one from Matt Hoyle that makes me think the Sleeping Beauty story would make a damn fine EMC piece. Maybe one day.... ***Unless otherwise attributed, all images above come from either Model Mayhem or Deviant Art.***