What term describes a physical object designed specifically to help people remember?

The term that describes a physical object designed specifically to help people remember is a memorial. Memorials serve as dedicated structures or objects that commemorate individuals or events, allowing family and friends to reflect on and honor the memories of those who have passed away. They can take many forms, including statues, plaques, or specialized sites in a cemetery or garden.

Niches, mausoleums, and crypts do serve purposes related to the interment of remains, but they are more focused on the physical space for burial rather than the explicit intention of remembrance. Niches are small spaces designed to hold urns, mausoleums are grand buildings that house the deceased, and crypts are subterranean chambers designed to hold caskets. While these structures may serve a memorial function, their primary role is to hold or protect remains rather than to act as a direct tribute meant for remembrance. Thus, the essence of a memorial specifically emphasizes the aspect of remembering and honoring, making it the correct term in this context.