Ma'nene'

Ma'nene is a traditional ritual practiced by the Toraja people in Indonesia, involving the careful exhumation and re-dressing of deceased loved ones. Every few years, families carefully dig up their relatives’ coffins, clean and groom the remains, exchange or update clothing, and then re-inter these bodies back into their family crypts. This practice honors ancestors, maintains spiritual connection, and reflects a belief in the ongoing presence of the deceased within the family. It demonstrates respect for ancestors and helps preserve the cultural heritage of the Toraja community.