trokaarsed

Trokaarsed is a type of lightweight, coffin-like construction used for temporary burial in certain parts of Russia, particularly in Siberia and other remote regions. The term 'trokaarsed' is believed to be derived from the Ainu language, used by indigenous peoples of Russia and Japan.

Trokaarsed are typically made from wood, with the body placed inside on a wooden platform, and then covered with a wooden lid. The structure is designed to be portable, allowing it to be easily transported to distant gravesites. In funeral practices, trokaarsed are often used as a means of temporary burial, allowing the body to decompose before being reburied in a more permanent grave.

In terms of historical context, trokaarsed are believed to have originated among the indigenous peoples of Siberia, who used them as a practical means of burial in the harsh, remote environment of the region. The use of trokaarsed as a cultural practice has been noted among several ethnic groups, including the Yakut and the Evenk peoples, who used similar structures for funerary purposes.

The use of trokaarsed in funeral practices has also been influenced by the Russian Orthodox Church, which traditionally advocates for the burial of the dead as soon as possible. In this context, the use of trokaarsed represents a pragmatic approach to burial, which balances the need for temporary interment of the deceased with the requirement for a rapid and efficient funeral process. Despite its cultural significance, the use of trokaarsed remains a regional and relatively unknown practice.