Torajans of Indonesia regularly clean and dress their deceased family members in unique burial rituals

Members of the Tojana ethnic group in Indonesia hold the belief that their deceased loved ones are not truly dead but merely sick. The unique belief is reflected in their burial rituals, where they exhume the bodies of their loved ones regularly, dress them up, and eat and drink together as if they are still alive.

The Torajans, an indigenous group of Sulawesi, Indonesia, preserve their deceased family members' bodies through mummification.

These bodies are kept within their homes for years until the family can afford to hold the elaborate funeral ceremonies that are central to their culture.

Torajan funerals are expensive due to the tradition of burying loved ones with valuable gifts and animal sacrifices. Even after burial, the bodies are exhumed and cleaned according to local customs.

Locals honour their deceased family members by offering them new clothes, sharing meals, drinks, and even cigarettes. Visitors also engage in conversations with the deceased as if they were alive.

For Torajans, death is considered a spiritual journey. The high cost of funerals often places a financial burden on families, who must arrange for animals and gifts to accompany their loved ones into the afterlife.

Valuable items, such as diamonds, bracelets, and watches, are often buried with the deceased in Torajan coffins. This practice has led to grave robberies in the region, as criminals seek to steal these precious objects.

Due to the risk of theft, Torajans often keep the gifts for their deceased loved ones a secret.

Following the funeral rites, the deceased are buried in tombs. However, the tradition of Ma'nene (Care of Ancestors) continues, with families visiting their loved ones' graves to clean and re-dress the bodies.