What is a characteristic feature of an ossuary?

An ossuary is specifically designed to hold human bones, typically after the process of decomposition has taken place. This type of burial site is used to collect and store skeletal remains, allowing for the efficient use of space as well as respecting cultural practices surrounding the handling of human remains.

While burial urns are often found in cremation sites and are related to the remains of cremated individuals, ossuaries themselves focus on bones rather than containing urns. Additionally, while an ossuary can be located within a burial ground or cemetery, it is not itself a burial ground but rather a specific type of repository for bones. Lastly, unlike traditional mausoleums that are intended for housing entire bodies or casketed remains, ossuaries are more focused on skeletal remains, aligning them with a different function within the practices of burial and memorialization.