Ad Terram
Ad Terram rethinks the ritual of ash scattering.
Exposed to wind, the earthen urn will erode, allowing the ashes to be gradually absorbed by nature.
In contrast to the often confrontational practice of ash scattering, Ad Terram represents a more gradual and dignified ritual. The ashes of the deceased are incorporated into the earthen material which is processed into an urn. The material stays unfired. At the pace of the wind, the urn will erode, slowly releasing the ashes until nothing remains and the object is completely absorbed by nature. This way, the forces of nature create a unique scattering process for each deceased person.
This slower way of spreading ashes reduces the negative impact of toxins on our soil. The release of the ashes can be regulated in both content (composition of toxins and nutrients) and pace. This way, ashes are released to the soil in lower concentrations. This allows the soil to process the ashes at its own pace, affecting soil life as little as possible.
