Sojourn Vessels for Green Burial

Why would a builder of wooden boats be inspired to turn his craft to the making of caskets?

Both are essential vessels for a journey and both deserve the craftsman’s reverence and care.

While leading traditional boatbuilding projects in remote Native villages in Alaska I was moved by the way those communities care for their departed loved ones. Whenever someone in the village passes away they are lovingly prepared for burial by their own family, while their community excavates a grave, creates a marker, and builds them a casket. It’s a community event felt and shared by everyone; by the people who have known the departed throughout their lives and who are grieving their passing. Witnessing this wholesome approach has brought the standard “funeral industry” norms into stark contrast for me, and has urged me onto the path to seeking something better. Over many years in the villages I’ve had the great honor of being asked to help with the building of several caskets, an involvement that has forged deep and permanent bonds. It has also profoundly shaped my views on mortality and on life itself. 

At the Sojourn woodshop we’re handcrafting caskets for natural “green” burials from selectively harvested local woods, preferring windfall trees when possible. The use of steam-bent panels and sliding dovetail joinery allows us to create sturdy, graceful vessels that are fitted together without the use of metal fasteners or glues. The resulting casket shape is meant to cradle loved ones gently as they return what has been borrowed back to the Earth. 

I’ve seen the friends and family of the departed finding comfort and healing through the building or embellishing of their loved one’s casket. Likewise anyone among us who is facing mortality…each and every one of us…can embrace Life by making their own final vessel. (I’m making my own!) 

Reverence for the trees we harvest, a commitment to craftsmanship, and respect for the individuals we serve run through everything we do. We find deeper meaning in offering community, compassion, and healing through the work of our hands.

  • All-wood caskets

  • Custom themed and whimsical caskets 

  • Ready-to-assemble casket kits (make and adorn for a loved one…or build your own!)

  • Cremains vessels

  • Gatherings and salon discussions surrounding “Death Positive” and life-affirming thought.


Contact us to discuss your needs or ideas.