Inspired by my Norwegian roots, the Oseberg Cradle coffin moves away from the convention of a box, offering a safe, strong cradle with a thick, multilayered cocoon of pure organic Shetland wool felt, sourced from Devon and Somerset.
I make the wool shroud and hemp handles. I pay special attention to details such as carrying. The handles must be comfortable; a wooden handle is covered with felt, making it soft to touch, yet strong. Local coffin maker, Andrew Vaccari, makes the cradle of 2″ reclaimed timber (base) with slatted sides. The bolts are hand-made from the same timber – no metal is used.
We’ve designed this alternative coffin for cremation as well as burial, and it carries the Funeral Furnishing Manufacturer’s Association – FFMA – certification which ensures it’s strength and suitability.
Environmental Footprint
As with all Bellacouche products, this environmentally friendly coffin is plastic and metal free, 100% natural for minimal carbon footprint and fully biodegradable.
I have chosen natural hemp to bear the weight as it is the most ecological and versatile plant fibre grown on the planet. My wool is sourced from organic farms that I visit. Further information about wool as a sustainable fibre here: Grazing animals and industrial livestock.
Why a cradle?
We are cradled at the beginning of life, so why not at the end? I designed this eco coffin as an alternative to a box, which many feel distances us from the process of grieving and the fact of death. The soft woollen shroud has a gentler presence, beckoning us to touch and connect with our loss. Over the years, customers mention this connection, and the soft curves and tactile qualities of the felt wrapping seem to help in this process.
Recommended Carrying Capacity 158 kg / 25 stone
