Georgia State Board of Funeral Service Practice Exam

Which of the following best describes an alternative container used in funerary practices?

1. A decorative casket

2. Any receptacle strong enough to hold and transport a dead human body

3. A burial vault made of metal

4. A wooden casket specifically for traditional burials

The correct answer is: Any receptacle strong enough to hold and transport a dead human body

The best description of an alternative container used in funerary practices is one that emphasizes the essential function of the container. An alternative container is designed primarily to be a receptacle that can safely hold and transport a deceased human body. This definition aligns with the key characteristic of an alternative container, which is its practical utility in the handling of remains without the embellishments or characteristics of traditional caskets. While decorative caskets and wooden caskets made for traditional burials serve the same fundamental purpose, they are not categorized as "alternative" due to their decorative nature and specific use in conventional burial practices. Similarly, a burial vault made of metal is a separate component specifically for interment and does not fit the definition of an alternative container. Thus, focusing on the strength and functionality of a basic receptacle effectively captures the essence of what an alternative container is in this context.