Unusual team digs up sheep carcasses

In July 2026, during a heatwave reaching 37 °C, a group of people in construction painter's suits, including scientists and members of the association Humo Sapiens, worked in the open sun near the municipal cemetery of the Ulis in Essonne. They were removing earth with trowels from a vacant lot bordered by plant waste, excavating 10m³ of soil in a week. Their goal was to uncover what lay beneath the ground.

Scientific experiment with sheep carcasses

On June 26, 2025, entomologist Damien Charabidzé received permission from the Ulis cemetery to conduct a participatory research project. As part of an unprecedented scientific experiment, he and his team buried eight sheep carcasses, each weighing about 35 kg, in separate pits. Some were buried directly in the ground, while others were covered with plant waste. The aim was to test a terramation protocol, a technique used in North America but still emerging in Europe.

Results confirm the validity of the method

A year later, the exhumation confirmed the effectiveness of the terramation protocol. In the pits filled with plant waste, the sheep carcasses had fully decomposed, leaving only bones and no odor. In contrast, the carcasses buried directly in the ground remained largely intact, emitting a strong smell and showing signs of saponification, a process where body fats turn into a waxy substance that halts decomposition.

Wax corpses and their impact on cemeteries

The decomposition process observed in the experiment mirrors what happens to human remains in cemeteries. For years, media have reported on "wax corpses" found by grave digers after the expiration of burial concessions. These remains are often the result of saponification, a natural process that may be influenced by embalming products, diet, and soil conditions. This phenomenon creates challenges for cemetery management, as regulations require re-burial of undecomposed remains, contributing to overcrowding in urban cemeteries.

Terramation as a potential solution

Damien Charabidzé describes terramation as a method similar to composting, where a body is placed directly on the ground among plant waste to accelerate decomposition. This approach could alleviate the congestion of urban cemeteries by promoting a more sustainable burial practice. Unlike traditional burial, which delays decomposition, terramation aims to return the body to the earth more quickly, aligning with environmental and spiritual values.

Global status and future of terramation

Currently, terramation is legally permitted in only a few places, such as a dozen U.S. states and the German region of Schleswig-Holstein. However, these authorizations are typically based on private initiatives rather than scientific research. The Ulis experiment marks a significant step forward, as it is the first scientific study of its kind. Despite its potential, the field of funeral studies remains underdeveloped, with limited research on decomposition processes and their environmental impact.

A passion for insects leads to funeral research

Damien Charabidzé's interest in funerals began with a childhood fascination with insects. During his entomology studies, he became involved in research on necrophagous insects, which play a crucial role in decomposition. His work in forensic entomology, which can help solve crimes, sparked his career path. This background has now led him to explore the intersection of science and funeral practices.

Scientific collaboration with public authorities

Damien Charabidzé is now collaborating with the National Council for Funeral Operations, an advisory body that guides public authorities on funeral regulations. His research has drawn attention from the government, which has associated itself with his team to study new burial methods. This collaboration highlights the growing recognition of the need for scientific expertise in addressing the challenges of modern cemetery management.