What is the central pit called that is built into the base of New Orleans tombs?

The correct term for the central pit built into the base of New Orleans tombs is known as the caveau. In the unique above-ground burial system of New Orleans, which is required due to its high water table, the caveau serves as the primary burial space within the tomb. It is designed to hold the remains of the deceased, and typically, family members share this space over generations.

The significance of the caveau is tied to the local customs and practices surrounding burial in the city, where the tombs are often constructed with multiple levels or compartments, allowing for the internment of several individuals. This practice reflects the culture of New Orleans, where family ties and traditions strongly influence burial customs.

Other terms, while related to burial practices, refer to different concepts and structures. For instance, a charnel house is a place where human skeletal remains are stored beyond their initial burial, often used in contexts where a cemetery is overcrowded. An ossuary is specifically designed to collect and contain the bones of the dead, usually after decomposition has occurred, while a burial chamber generally refers to the area within a tomb where the body is placed, but it may not encompass the specific design and family usage seen in the caveau structure.