Gokstad Viking burial ship
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, multi-layered cocoon of pure English organic wool felt. I make the wool shroud and hemp handles. These have a wooden insert, with soft felt covering, so that carrying is easy on the hands. Local coffin maker, Andrew Vaccari, makes the cradle from local, sustainable timber. We’ve designed this alternative coffin for cremation as well as burial, and it carries the FFMA – certification which ensures it’s strength and suitability.
The Oseberg burial ship, Oslo
Environmental Footprint As with all Bellacouche products, it’s plastic free, 100% natural for minimal carbon footprint and fully biodegradable. The timber is planed and sanded down, revealing a beautiful pale colour, reminiscent of much of the old furniture I grew up with in Norway. To avoid using glues, Andrew makes wooden bolts; also using an ancient square lashing technique and hemp rope which gives the cradle extra strength.
I have chosen 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.
Sled from the Gokstad Viking burial ship
Why a cradle? We are gently cradled at the beginning of life, so why not at the end? I designed this 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 seem to help in this process.
Recommended Carrying Capacity 125kg
