CLEANING THE GRAVEYARD (Thailand, 2001-2007)

In Thailand, after fifteen years the bones of the dead who have been buried by Thai-Chinese charities because the bodies went unclaimed by family or friends are exhumed. The exhumation is a great religious celebration for the whole of the normally strongly hierarchic Thai society. From the poorest farmer to the richest businessman, all assist with the opening of the graves and cleaning the bones. Nor does the status of the dead play any role. All bones are treated with equal respect, and assembled for a new mass burial. Although the origins of the feast are Buddhist, many other religious sects join with it. They perform their own rituals, such as placing toys with the bodies of children to appease their ghosts.