Funeral Rites of Yesteryear and Today
Out of a desire to soothe the loss of our loved ones, the funeral rituals practiced today have evolved from those of our ancestors. Many such rituals provide us with a glimpse into the origins of societies, philosophies, religious beliefs and, of past civilizations.
The cremation of our beloved ones is not a new idea. Funeral urns have existed in many forms: terracotta, volcanic rock, limestone, alabaster, ceramic, marble, gold, silver and bronze. Funeral urns have been found throughout the world. Priceless examples, in history and material, can be found in museums, a testament to their original design and purpose.
In ancient Egypt, the use of urns played a significant role in the burial process — they were necessary to accompany the deceased into the afterlife. The Etruscans used cinerary urns to house the ashes of the departed. The Greeks used elegant and delicate urns for their deceased, immortalizing daily life. Wealthy Romans placed urns in communal burial places, called columbarium, which were ornately decorated and illustrated Roman mythology.
The architectural poetry of UTERNEL embraces and pays homage to ancestral traditions, with beauty and discretion. Characterized by precious materials to mark posterity, our designs and durability secure the final resting place for loved ones.