Christian coffin decorated with a rope design and Latin crosses

Lead coffins were common in the land of Israel in the 3rd–4th century CE, being a less expensive alternative to stone or marble coffins. They were produced using a special casting technique. Stamps with designs in relief were sunk into wet sand, creating a mold into which hot lead was poured. The workshops that made these coffins served people of all faiths, with clients selecting symbols appropriate to their faith.