
These are the tree graves of Indonesia where dead babies are 'buried' inside the trunks of living plants so they can be 'absorbed' by nature.

The ritual takes place in the regency of Tana Toraja, a remote part of the mountainous region of South Sulawesi, 186 miles north of the capital Makassar.

Villagers hollow out holes in huge tree trunks before wrapping the deceased child in cloth and then placing the infant inside.

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Ritual: Villagers in Tana Toraja place dead babies inside living trees where their bodies are gradually absorbed over the years

Burial: Villagers hollow out holes in huge tree trunks before wrapping the deceased child in cloth and then placing the infant inside

The holes are then sealed over with palm fibre and, as the tree heals over time, the body is believed to be absorbed. Dozens of babies are interred in each tree

The hole is then sealed over with palm fibre and, as the tree heals over time, the body is believed to be absorbed. Dozens of babies are interred in each tree.

Only children who die before they have started teething are buried in this way with locals believing the wind then takes away their souls.

It is not the only burial ritual the Torajans practise.

Family members of the deceased are known to exhume their ancestors' bodies and change their clothes as a way of remembering them and then walk the dead around the village.

Only children who die before they have started teething are buried in this way with locals believing the wind then takes away their souls

The ritual takes place in the regency of Tana Toraja, a remote part of the mountainous region of South Sulawesi, 186 miles north of the capital Makassar

Family members of the deceased are also known to exhume their ancestors' bodies and change their clothes as a way of remembering them and then walk the dead around the village

The ritual, called Ma'nene, happens every three years to honour the villagers' love for the deceased. Locals believe dead family members are still with them, even if they died hundreds of years ago.

In other burial rituals, loved-ones are placed in caves dug into the side of hills or placed in coffins that are hung on a cliff edge.

The funeral rites are seen as a central part of Torajan tradition and often last several days acting as a social occasion for family and friends.