‘Mù zhì’ (tombstone inscription) refers to the engraved text on a stone tablet placed at or near a grave, typically containing biographical information about the deceased—such as their name, birth and death dates, family background, virtues, and accomplishments. The character 墓 (mù) means ‘tomb’ or ‘grave,’ while 志 (zhì) means ‘record,’ ‘inscription,’ or ‘memorial writing.’ Together, they literally mean ‘a record for the tomb.’ These inscriptions are historically significant in Chinese culture, often composed in classical Chinese and calligraphed by respected scholars or officials.

Mù zhì are not merely functional markers but cultural artifacts that reflect Confucian values of filial piety, ancestral reverence, and historical continuity. Many ancient mù zhì have been excavated by archaeologists and studied for insights into social structure, language evolution, and regional history. They are commonly found in cemeteries, ancestral halls, and museum collections—not on modern headstones, which usually bear simpler epitaphs.