Our Story

Natural burials can express various preferences and traditions but they all share in common the objective to minimize environmental impacts and return the deceased naturally, beautifully, and swiftly to nature.

The Natural Burial Vessels Company participates in realizing this objective by crafting and selling a range of aesthetically distinctive natural burial vessels, carriers, shrouds, urns and memorial elements.

A Natural Burial Vessels Artisan is smiling away from the camera. They are holding materials for weaving and there is a pile of materials at their feet.
A Natural Burial Vessel Artisan is sitting crouched with bare feet in the center of the Natural Burial Vessel base, and is beginning to work on weaving the sides of the vessel.
A hand holding a pair of scissors is making some finishing touches on a Natural Burial Vessel.

  • Natural Burial Vessels Company avoids using synthetic materials to craft its products. We honor the departed by easing their integration into natural systems. We believe that a natural and uncomplicated return to the earth dignifies the transition from one miraculous state of nature to another.

    Our deliberate use of the term 'burial vessels,' instead of 'caskets,' conveys our respectful recognition of different perspectives. At such a meaningful milestone, Natural Burial Vessels prioritizes inclusivity, aiming to expand the range of choices that are available to honor and fulfill the wishes of the departed and their loved ones.

  • Much like planting trees or repurposing salvaged woods, Natural Burial Vessels embody a quiet commitment to positive change. The NBV business model checks all of the environmental, aesthetic, and social boxes that are important to the founders: 1) Use of 100% natural, non-toxic, rapidly renewable construction materials. 2) 100% rapidly biodegradable materials. 3) Distinctively beautiful, hand-woven designs free of synthetic adornment. 4) Good, steady, traditional work for weaving communities in an economically challenged part of Indonesia. 5) Burial vessels that are easily affordable.

  • Natural Burial Vessels interweaves two cultures into a shared set of goals.

    Muhammad Nugroho (“Gro”) is a serial entrepreneur and seasoned international trader. He lives in Indonesia, in Jogjakarta, a city that is regarded as the nation’s center for education, arts, and culture. In Indonesia, Gro has been awarded grants and commendations by the city and national governments for expanding capacity in traditional craft communities to participate in international markets. His knowledge and appreciation of artisanal weaving traditions provided an important spark to the creation of Natural Burial Vessels, and it continues to facilitate and inspire the company’s growth.

    Tim O’Brien has worked in Indonesia for over twenty-five years. He has focussed on working with artisan communities to apply natural, renewable materials to craft distinctly beautiful, multi-functional, and eco-rational furniture and homewares. His design instincts are influenced by George Nakashima’s work and he believes that environmentally circumspect and supportive product choices should be available in every marketplace. He also believes that people evolved to prefer natural materials and forms to characterize their living and work spaces. Tim leads the NBV design team and he also offers an experienced hand in logistics management.

    Agus Rafiqkoh (“Gus”) has built a long career in production management of salvage-wood furniture, wooden homewares, and woven objects. He oversees NBV’s production and he coordinates its material sourcing. Agus is proud of being one of the first people in Indonesia to recognize the distinctive beauty and value of “entombed wood” - trees buried by volcanic lahars and then uncovered hundreds or thousands of years later.

    Aaron De Sturler grew up in Ireland and then moved to the Netherlands to begin a career in bicycle maintenance, repair, and sales. He moved to Miami in 2013 to lead a team of bicycle mechanics and sales people. He’s proud of his effectiveness in that role at having, during a five year tenure, persuaded hundreds of Floridians to switch from cars to bicycles - often equipped with luggage racks - for their primary mode of transportation. Today he applies his sales experience, strong work ethic, and engaging charisma to lead Natural Burial Vessel’s sales and distribution in the United States.

  • Natural Burial Vessels Company works with seasoned artisans who specialize in time-honored crafting techniques. Their practice of hand weaving natural materials has evolved over millennia and nurtured a range of methods and patterns. While, in recent years, artisans must compete against cheaper mechanization and synthetic materials, nothing compares to the beauty and grace of objects crafted by expert hands using natural fibers.

    By supporting artisan craft traditions that provide meaningful and environmentally respectful livelihoods, Natural Burial Vessels contributes to preserving important social, environmental, and aesthetic values.

  • Death is a milestone we all will meet.

    Rather than avoid or grow anxious about it, why not try to approach it thoughtfully? Plan ahead to shape a final tribute. Choose elements that reflect your preferences and your spirit. It can be a calming process that sparks meaningful conversations and decisions, enriching your time with those you love.

    At Natural Burial Vessels we encourage thinking about your end-of life wishes and taking proactive steps to organize them. Consider the objects you want to symbolize your beliefs and spirit. If you decide on a burial, then choose the place. Managing these matters can ease the burden on your loved ones during their time of grief.

    Preparing for the inevitable can be a life-affirming process that ensures your wishes are honored while allowing you to embrace the present with those who you love.