The Toraja are an ethnic group indigenous to a mountainous region of South Sulawesi (Indonesia).
Torajans are renowned for their elaborate funeral rites, burial sites carved into rocky cliffs, massive peaked-roof traditional houses (“tongkonan”), and colorful wood carvings.
In Toraja society, the funeral ritual is the most elaborate and expensive event.
There are three methods of burial: the coffin may be laid in a cave or in a carved stone grave, or hung on a cliff. The wealthy are often buried in a stone grave carved out of a rocky cliff. In some areas, a stone cave may be found that is large enough to accommodate a whole family. A wood-carved effigy (called “tau-tau”), is usually placed in the cave looking out over the land.
Torajans are renowned for their elaborate funeral rites, burial sites carved into rocky cliffs, massive peaked-roof traditional houses (“tongkonan”), and colorful wood carvings.
In Toraja society, the funeral ritual is the most elaborate and expensive event.
There are three methods of burial: the coffin may be laid in a cave or in a carved stone grave, or hung on a cliff. The wealthy are often buried in a stone grave carved out of a rocky cliff. In some areas, a stone cave may be found that is large enough to accommodate a whole family. A wood-carved effigy (called “tau-tau”), is usually placed in the cave looking out over the land.
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