Tonga's chiefly undertaker remained an enigma while in full view of mourning countrymen yesterday.
The Lauaki, as he is known, was a solitary and solemn figure for much of King George Tupou V's burial service. He stood alone atop the multi-tiered tomb, in his hand a Tokotoko - a chiefly sign that only he had final say over burial protocol.
When church leaders brought the nearly three-hour-long service to an end, it was the Lauaki who directed the strictly regulated coffin bearers, nimatapu, to lower the King's body to its final resting place.
The departure of the new King, Tupou VI, from the cemetery marked the ceremony's end. But the Lauaki, who inherited his rank and name, gathered Ta'ovala-clad nimatapu men around the tomb to privately finish the burial rights.
Formalities began at midday when the King's body was placed on a 20m fata, a black gabled platform marked with his initials and crown. It was carried on the shoulders of 150 men known collectively as Kavala, who represent every village on Tongatapu and Tupou College Old Boys.
