unique funeral traditions of tana toraja : south sulawesi

Tana Toraja culture is a world cultural heritage thousands of years ago (Tongkonan, grave stones Lemo, Londa caves Tomb, Tombs of ancient Kete Kesu, baby graves Kambira, Ceremony Signs Solo) are still there and still preserved and make Tana Toraja as a tourist attraction in the archipelago eastern part of Indonesia, especially in southern Sulawesi, even make Tana Toraja as a World Cultural Tourism.

1.TONGKONAN PALLAWA,TANA TORAJA TRADITIONAL HOUSE

Tongkonan derived from the world tongkon  which means ‘to sit together’.  Told as a seat because once a gathering place for Toraja nobles who sat in tongkonan for discussion. This traditional house has a social and cultural functions stratified society. Originally the seat of government, customs authority, as well as social and cultural development of the life of Toraja.

2.RAMBU SOLO - FUNERAL CEREMONY IN TANA TORAJA

Tana Toraja in South Sulawesi has a unique funeral tradition, with ceremonies reflecting a blend of grief and wealth. When a Torajan dies in Toraja land, family members of the deceased are required to hold a series of funeral ceremonies that usually last for several days before the deceased is brought to a funeral site for burial. The family of the deceased should provide tens of buffaloes and pigs for the ceremony.

3.THE CAVE TOMBS OF TANA TORAJA

The cave tombs of Tana Toraja are the last part in the funeral ceremonies of the Tana Toraja. This Grave is located on a high rock cliff. In these rocks is dug a hole to bury the corpse.In these rocks there are about 75 graves holes, each hole is a grave one family. From the outside, which looks only just the door, covered with wooden boards. The location of the holes is quite high, reaching tens of meters. The corpse is inserted into the hole with a ladder or pulled by a rope. The size of the hole is so big, about 3 meters by 5 meters. To make this hole will cost a fairly large, around Rp. 30,000,000, because the hole made by carving the rocks by hand. Work to make this hole usually takes 6 months to 1 year.