the Toraja in Sulawesi

From my visit in 1991.

The island of Sulawesi contains a great variety of exotic peoples, landscapes and natural wonders.

the green valley

Tucked away amid the rugged peaks and fertile plateaus of South-Central Sulawesi live many isolated tribes, who share a common ancestry with the seafaring Bugis, Mandar and Makassar peoples of the coasts, conservatively maintaining many ancient crafts and customs. Coastal dwellers refer to these tribes collectively as the Toraja or "highland people".

The roofs of this "alang" (yam storage building) rises at both ends like the bow and stern of a boat.

newer style homes next to traditional storage buildings

the traditional residences on the hill above the newer town

houses in a row

suburban

newer structure

House panels of the "tongkonan" dwellings are exquisitely carved often with a water buffalo motif.

Many cattle are slaughtered at special occasions.

horns of the water buffalo
probably from many feasts

The boy has the honor of caring for the buffalo.

The Toraja are perhaps best know for the elaborate, colorful feasts for the dead. Many buffalos and pigs are slaughtered, at the feast which can occur even long after the person's death.