Interesting cemetery

I helped with a bio blitz at the local St Mary's Parish Church this morning . exploring the extensive old surrounding graveyards. Sadly, as is usually the case with these pre-arranged events the weather conspired against us and it was cold and wet!!
While poking around looking for insects conspicuous by their absence I noticed this interesting grave stone ( lying flat on the ground). I wonder what the significance of the hand pulling a ring is? 
Quite close to this was a very old grave which had a little bunch of buttercups with knotted stems on it ( see extra) which I thought was rather sweet.