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Toraja Tribe Embraces Unconventional Ritual of Living with the Dead
13 Oct
Summary
- Toraja ethnic group in Indonesia keeps mummified bodies of deceased in family homes
- Funeral costs can reach $500,000, leading some to preserve bodies until they can afford rites
- Tribe sees death as part of a "great journey", celebrating funerals rather than mourning
As of October 13th, 2025, a unique cultural practice is thriving in the Tana Toraja Regency of Indonesia's South Sulawesi Province. The Toraja ethnic group has a longstanding tradition of living alongside the mummified bodies of their deceased loved ones.
Unlike most cultures, where the dead are either cremated or buried, the Toraja keep the embalmed bodies in their family homes, dressing and interacting with them as part of their daily lives. This ritual, known as Manene, is rooted in the Toraja belief that death is simply another stage in the great journey of life.
The high cost of funerals in this region, which can reach up to $500,000, has led some families to preserve the bodies of the deceased until they can afford the elaborate rites. These funerals are seen as celebrations, where the community gathers to grieve but also to honor the dead through the sacrifice of buffaloes and pigs, as well as the construction and burning of a new hut for the departed.
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The Toraja's unique approach to death has drawn the attention of travelers and influencers, who have shared their experiences of walking among the living dead. As the world continues to grapple with diverse cultural practices, the Toraja's embrace of their ancestors serves as a poignant reminder of the many ways in which humanity confronts the universal experience of mortality.
