Maree Yoelu, Uncle Don preparing palm fronds for a traditional tombstone unveiling (PEOPLE & PORTRAIT 2024)

Hours prior to the traditional tombstone unveiling, a few of us sat with Uncle Don, having a yarn, while he prepared palm fronds for the ceremony. We were readying to unveil the tombstone of one of my husband’s uncles, who had passed a few years earlier. Tombstone unveilings are a Torres Strait Islander traditional ceremony, which marks the completion of the tombstone of a loved one who's passed away. It represents the family’s final goodbye to their family member. The ceremony usually occurs any time after one year, from their passing. The tombstone and gravesite are adorned with their totem colours and favourite things.

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