Coffins
Coffins are funerary containers designed to hold a deceased person for burial or cremation. In common usage the term coffin is often contrasted with casket, though usage varies by region. A coffin typically has a hexagonal or octagonal cross-section with six sides and tapers toward the head and feet to reflect human shape; a casket is usually rectangular with parallel sides. For cremation, many jurisdictions prefer or require containers that burn completely and meet safety standards; thus some coffins are designed to be cremation-friendly.
Materials range from traditional wood—such as pine, oak, or mahogany—to metals (steel, copper, bronze) and modern
Historically, coffins have been used in many cultures, with examples found from ancient civilizations through medieval
Environmental and economic aspects influence modern coffin selection. Regulated materials and safety standards apply in many