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Saverio Sammartino

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.

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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 of the urn. 

This way, the forces of nature create a unique scattering process for each deceased person until nothing remains and the body is completely absorbed by nature. Moreover, this slower way of spreading ashes reduces the negative impact of toxins on our soil. The release of the ashes can be regulated, so they are released to the soil in lower concentrations. This way the soil can process the ashes at its own pace and soil life is affected as little as possible.

About Kato Herbots

Kato believes in the ability of design to (re)shape our relationship with each other and the material world. With a keen interest in material contexts and the relationships between objects and people that she can shape as a designer, materials and storytelling are at the heart of her work.

Saverio Sammartino

Saverio Sammartino