Abstract: A funerary urn comprises a top, a bottom and side walls connecting the side and bottom. The urn has an open area within a first storage space, the opening having a volume of between 0.25 and 2.5 cubic feet being defined by the top, bottom and side walls. The top, bottom and side walls have openings therein which allow passage of water into the storage space and allow air to pass out of the storage space. The urn, when it contains the ashes of a cremated animal and then immersed in water will attain a specific gravity of greater than 1.0 within three minutes. At least 80% by weight of the top, bottom and side walls consist essentially of materials which would decompose, degrade, dissolve or disperse in water so that the urn will lose its structural integrity within twelve months of continued immersion in water at 20.degree. C.