The Philosophy of Toraja traditional house

The first Toraja house was constructed in heaven by Puang Matua, the Creator, that is according to a myth in Tana Toraja. The building standing on four poles, and the roof was made of special cloth. Next, Puang Matua ordering to build another house, with iron poles and bamboo roof. When the ancestor of mankind descended to earth in the southern half of Toraja (Regency of Enrekang), he imitated the heavenly house, and a big house ceremony (Rambu tuka' ) was held for the occasion.

Tangdilino'. The former village founder of Toraja, who stay Near Mengkendek (southern Toraja), a house was built that had a roof with its two ends bending upwards. This particular form is explained in various ways. The first story stresses resemblance to a boat - since, according to myth, the ancestors of the Toraja people came by boat from the Mekong Delta in South China - the second story says that the arch-shaped roof looks like the sky. This is, indeed, reflected in some prayers by the ancient animistic belief Aluk Todolo.

according to the history of tana toraja, only the noble people who have the right to build such a beatiful house (tongkonan). The most important noble houses were the seats of political power for local rulers who dominated small groups of villages. Each of these families has a long past, full of myths, mystery, and ancestral achievement. All noble families, of course, have a significant history to justify their claim to wealth and status, whereas most ordinary people live in undecorated houses - mostly bamboo shacks - called banua. Sometimes the status associated with a tongkonan and the people who are allowed to inhabit these houses, varies according to the different areas within Toraja itself.

Three different types of tongkonans can be distinguished. The first is called tongkonan layuk, which belongs to the highest adat authorities. This type of tongkonan used to be the centre of government - a position that even today seems to be respected. The second kind is the tongkonan pekamberan, which belongs to the family clan and group members surrounding the adat functionaries. The third kind is called the tongkonan batu, and belongs to the ordinary people (i.e. not adat functionaries).

The style of the tongkonans has changed slightly over time. The oldest surviving structures are generally small, with only a small curve to the roof. As the house came to embody aristocratic ambitions, it was gradually built higher and the curve of the extended eaves has become more and more exaggerated. As a consequence, the living space inside the tongkonan was reduced due to increased prestige and status, as the exterior of the house grew to be more colourful and exuberant in appearance.

Many house carving designs are derived from plant and animal motifs. The names of these designs are reminiscent of everyday life, and very humble, for instance, pumpkin vines. Water plants and animals such as crabs, tadpoles, water weeds, and so forth are a sign of fertility. The trailing water plants, lusciously growing in all directions, are often depicted because they are able to multiply rapidly, while still clinging to the central stem. It is hoped that the house descendents will also be numerous and stick to the family clan. Other carvings represent buffaloes, heirloom embellishments or heavy ears of rice. All of these motifs are connected to the desired wealth and abundance. The main wall poles, on the front of the tongkonan, are always decorated with stylised buffalo heads. On the top of the façade, in the gable triangle, there are images of beetle nut and sunbursts, since some take this part of the tongkonan to represent the Heavens. Of course, being the mediator between earth and heaven, cocks are always a part of the decorations. The most mysterious of all creatures that is sometimes found on the front of a tongkonan is the so-called katik, a big, long-necked bird with a crest on top of its head. This is either a cock, or a mythical bird of the forests. Some, however, claim this is a hornbill, the image of which is often used all over South-East Asia.

The layout of the Toraja Traditional houses is imbued with symbolic meaning. The orientation of the tongkonans has cosmological connotations, and the design of the carved decorations on the front has symbolic significance since it contains a variety of messages about social hierarchy and structure, and the relations to the world of the spirits.

As described above, the creator Puang Matua is associated with the North, and therefore the tongkonan must also face North. The South of the house is associated with the afterworld (heaven, or Puya) and the ancestors. The West and the East are associated with the left and right hands of the human body, but also with the world of the gods (East) and the ancestors in their deified form (West).
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Toraja Social Conditions

Tana Toraja region also called Tondok Lili'na Lapongan Bulan Tana Matari'allo. This region is inhabited by one ethnic (Ethnic Toraja). With a population of approximately 458,000 inhabitants. Approximately 650,000 people who live outside the region and work outside the area of ​​Tana Toraja. Toraja Tribe has bahasa Toraja as a local language. But for the association in general they use Indonesian, in addition, some of Toraja people also can speak English, Dutch, German, Japanese and Mandarin. Those who fall into this category are the sons of Toraja who served as guide for the tourist.

Until now, foreign cultures are
not strong enough to influence the Toraja people way of life who were so friendly, living in harmony, peace and harmony and with open arms greet her guests to come together in Toraja traditional ceremony either Rambu tuka' ceremony or Rambu solo' ceremony.

POPULATION

The majority of the population consists of ethnic Toraja, although there are also other ethnic groups residing in this area for various reasons either because the relationship of marriage, employment, trade and others. Toraja ethnic population alone is estimated to reach one million people, but who live in this area is only around 450,000 inhabitants, whereas most others are scattered throughout the archipelago as well as other parts of the world.

RELIGION

Tana Toraja has Aluk Todolo as their ancestor religion, after going through the process of acculturation and cultural assimilation, in Tana Toraja can be found several religions, among others: Christian Protestant 298,221 inhabitants, 108,850 Catholic soul, the soul of Islam and Hindu 37 853 Toraja 13 145 Soul.

LANGUAGES

As part of the Indonesian archipelago, the Indonesian language is one of the language used as language of instruction in the association. However, the local language is the language of Toraja (Sa'dan) certainly become the most dominant language in a conversation between members of the community, even become one of the local content of subjects taught in elementary school. ....Read More...

Aluk Todolo (an old animistic), Toraja Ancestors Religion

Aluk Todolo is the religion of the Toraja ancestors who are still practiced by a large number of people of Toraja. Even in 1970, Aluk Todolo already protected by state and officially accepted into the sect of Hindu-Balinese. Aluk Todolo is an old animistic belief, in its development, Aluk Todolo more influenced by the teachings of Confucius and the Hindu religious life. Therefore, Aluk Todolo is a dinamistic polytheism belief.

Aluk means trust or rules of behavior, To = human, Dolo = first  / bygone.
There is also a distinguished call aluk Sanda pitunna or 7777 because it has a 7777 ban or pamali and this is what actually maintain living arrangements that will bring peace ..

the belief of Aluk Todolo stems from two main courses aluk 7777 (aluk Sanda pitunna) and aluk all-round hundred (Sanda saratu ').

Sanda Aluk Pitunna (aluk 7777) distributed by Tangdilino 'and is a religious system that is believed by the Toraja as aluk derived from the sky along with mankind. Therefore, Aluk Sanda Pitunna is the oldest and widely spread in Toraja. Meanwhile, Aluk Sanda Saratu' came later and is spread by Puang Tamborolangi', but Aluk Sanda Saratu'only developing region Tallu Lembangna (Makale, Sangalla and Mengkendek).

Aluk Sanda Pitunna derived from religious teaching (sukaran aluk) covering the ceremony (aluk), prohibition (Pemali), a general truth ( sangka' ) and the incident in accordance with the plot (salunna). Aluk itself includes the ceremony which consists of three shoots and four tumbuni (aluk Tallu lolona, a'pa 'pentaunina). Called three aIuk because it involves a ceremony that involves human beings (aluk tau), a ceremony involving plants (aluk tananan) and rituals involving animals (aluk patuan) and said four because in addition to the three things above there is one ritual Suru ceremony called 'serves to penetrate the fault (pengkalossoran).

Western Region
Important figure in the spread of this aluk in western Tana Toraja, namely:
Pongkapadang together Burake Tattiu 'which spread the aluk to the area of Bonggakaradeng, partly Saluputti, Simbuang until the Pitu Ulunna Salu Ba'bana Minanga Karua, to introduce to the local community a social institution which is called in Toraja language "to unnirui' Suke pa'pa, to ungkandei kandian saratu' namely social institutions that do not recognize strata.

Eastern Region
In the eastern region of Tana Toraja, Pasontik together with Burake Tambolang spread to areas of Pitung Penanaian, Rantebua, Tangdu, Ranteballa, Ta'bi, Tabang, Maindo up to the South and North Luwu by introducing a social institution which called in Toraja language: "To Unnirui 'Suke dibonga, To unkandei kandean pindan ", ie social institutions that make up good people's lives in the three social strata.

Middle region
Tangdilino together with Burake Tangngana spread the aluk to the middle region of Tana Toraja with a social institution "To unniru'i Suke dibonga, To ungkandei kandean pindan".

In accordance with the meaning and content in Aluk Todolo belief system, there are a number of issues relevant to management and environmental protection. If the reference traced, it would be found that there is a concept of management and preservation of the environment for Toraja people, the first set in the existing religious system and it covers almost all rites performed.

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Tana Toraja Dances

Ritual act of Aluk Todolo in fulfilling religious rules tangible on the cult of Puang Matua, Deata or To Mambali Puang, manifested in traditional art forms like dance, singing, music, art literature, carving and sculpture.

Art that is appreciated always associated with Aluk Rambu Tuka' and Aluk Rambu Solo'. In general, the kinds of art are staged specifically for each activity of traditional rituals, both Rambu Tuka 'and Rambu Solo'. But there is also type of arts that is staged in both kinds of rituals. There is a type of art called 'Basse Bubung, is the art which may be performed at the joy ceremony Aluk Rampe Matallo and grief at the event Aluk Rampe Matampu'.

Almost all kinds of art are staged is a mix of several kinds of art, such as a combination of sound art with dance, dance with music, or songs to the art of music.

Type of art that have been developed in Tana Toraja cultural society such as: Ma'gellu Dance originally developed in the District of Pangalla 'about 45 km to the east of the city of Rantepao and usually staged at a special ceremony called Ma'Bua', relating to the finishing of Toraja traditional house (Tongkonan), or the family have been held a great Rambu Solo' ceremony (Rapasaan Sapu Randanan).

Currently, Ma'gellu' dance also often performed at the wedding ceremony, thanksgiving harvests, and at the event of receptioning honored guest. This dance is performed by young women with an odd number and accompanied by the rhythm of drums that beat by young men who were four people. Clothing and accessories used are specifically for the dancer with jewelry made of gold and silver, like Gold Keris / Sarapang Bulawan, Kandaure, Sa'pi 'Ulu', Tali Tarrung, Fur Bawan, Rara ', Mastura, Manikkata, Oran-Oran, Lola' Pali' Gaapong, Komba Boko' and others.

Dance Boneballa'/ Ondo Samalele', just like Ma'gellu' dance, is also the sort joy dance that is usually staged in the thanksgiving ceremony, gratitude for the success of a large family in completing the reconstruction (rehabilitation or restoration) of their tongkonan (Traditional Houses of toraja). The ceremony is usually called Merok, usually also associated with the completion of a family held a great Rambu Solo ceremoy 'mangrapai' / sapu Randanan. Bone Balla' danced by women and girls who are the families who came from the same tongkonan. This dance is accompanied by a drum beat rhythm known as Oni Oni Tumburaka and Tuntunpitu. Boneballa Dance always accompanied by lyrics of a song called Passengo / poets worship to God. Clothes of dancers are special cothes and also wear the same jewelry with Ma'gellu' dancers but more fitted again with the decorations: Sissin Ake', Tida, tida, Dodo Tannung Pamiring, Bayu Paruki 'and Passapu. Boneballa Dance 'concludes with a mass dance which was followed by dozens of families.

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Tana Toraja, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Tana Toraja (often referred to as Tanah Toraja) is one area in the north of South Sulawesi (actually, this region has been categorized middle island of Sulawesi). On the island of Sulawesi, Tana Toraja, occupy the area around the base of the foot of the island. Tana Toraja has become so unique because it is the only place in Indonesia (or even the world) who have a culture like this. Tana Toraja with its citizens, called The Toraja have unique traditions in the form of burial that is not planted to the ground but placed in the tomb stone in the rock and celebrated with a gala.
Tana Toraja itself is a piece of territory on foot near the base of Sulawesi, which is surrounded by mountains and hills. Altitude territory about 1,500 to 2,000 meters above sea level. In relation to the contour and the region to be enclosed by nature, access to this place is pretty difficult. Regular access to a public place is with inter-city buses that depart from Makassar, Pare-Pare, or Palopo. The opposite of the natural contours of the mountainous and hilly, Tana Toraja has all the necessary things to make a good farm. The cool air and water availability makes the production of food crops abound here, including rice and various kinds of crops. The result is superior than the Tana Toraja Coffee and Marqisa. Marqisa Toraja and coffee even down to the overseas famous Loch. Could be, one of the coffee you drink at the local and international coffee outlets in shopping malls is this famous Toraja coffee.
In addition to crops, Tana Toraja, known for its customs and traditions precisely that catapulted his name. Toraja People have unique customs in connection with the death of a party or shower. At times like this, the celebration should be done with a massive slaughter including some cows / buffaloes. Tourism has become the main magnet in Toraja. Although had experienced moments of ups and downs, especially when exposed to excess bombing in Bali, Toraja tourism back moves to fix and continue to promote the wealth of some cultures in the eyes of the world. There are two common party held by the Toraja people Rambu Tuka (shower or wedding) and Rambu Solo' (death feast). The Toraja People habit is to organize everything with the lively and large. Therefore, not surprisingly, the funeral ceremony will be held on one, two years or longer, depending on the readiness of funds to the owner of the party. In addition to traditional party, Toraja is also famous for a unique form of customary house boat named Tongkonan and grave stone walls filled with mock statue of the man who died while they were alive. The statue is called Tau-Tau which is made from jackfruit tree wood and is built upon a rocky cliff overlooking the village and allegedly said to protect children and grandchildren and their descendants. This Tau-Tau is surreal with wooden blocks have hands and legs and the face painted plus the position of the hands are bent straight forward. Tau-Tau also have a very real, are large for the man himself, made exactly follow the curve of the body to the lateral face of the deceased. Clothing of the deceased did not forget is applied as well to the Tau-Tau, even down to the accessories ranging from hats to diamond gold.
Previously, Tana Toraja region exclusively covered by hills and mountains in the surrounding natural. Until now too, if you come from Enrekang, you must enter the gates of a large stone on top of it where there is Tongkonan as you enter the gate sign Toraja region. Even From Toraja to Palopo, covering the natural landscape and at the same time maintaining this area. The road winding past cliffs adorn segment Rantepao - Palopo. News landslides become a common thing in this segment. Now, along with the rise of regional autonomy, Toraja did not want to miss. Tana Toraja regency that used to be only one, blooming into two: the Toraja and North Toraja. Each district has its own capital city Makale and Rantepao. Rantepao, the central tourist city in Toraja eventually become the capital of the North after the bloom of the Toraja in the south. Commonly visited tourist attraction in Tana Toraja is neither the city. Both cities center is just a starting point for tourists. A number of tourist-dominated village tour, hanging graves, grave stone wall rocks, trees grave, sarcophagus called Erong, to waterfalls, pools and hot springs are scattered throughout the region. Tourist attraction around Tana Toraja (the term is common to call both the Toraja region) is very much from a very well known until quite small and newly developed. Access is also varied, there is a large roadside, rather go into, go through bad roads, so that can only be accessed by foot only. a week in this place would not be satisfied to see the whole object of the tour. Not to mention, the opportunity to see the day of the market and a very unique ceremony. As if time was running fast in Tana Toraja.
For those of you who will visit Tana Toraja, please note that the climate in Tana Toraja tend cold. Warm clothes and a scarf is compulsory if you visit this place. Do not be surprised if you see a thick fog that covered your views, especially when you are in the margins of Toraja is higher than urban areas. By day, you do not need warm clothes because the air quite friendly, tropical standard. For you the Moslem visitors, please understand that the Toraja are Christian territory. Although the Toraja people still adhered to the local belief Aluk Todolo with Puang Matua as his Lord, but Christianity is the religion that dominates this region. Well, for you the moslem visitors, you should be aware of the food menu at this place because of the Toraja people consume pork (you can see a row of pigs with a wide range of sizes lined up on the day the market in Toraja). If you want to play it safe, find food Pangkajene a lot of standing in this place (even in parts of South Sulawesi), for example soup konro, Cotto, Sop Saudara and fried chicken. If you're not sure, you should always ask before you eat everything.
Now, with this, it looks like you're ready to go to Tana Toraja. You will meet the hospitality of Toraja once you set foot on this territory. Develop a smile and asked to not get lost, get ready to melt would friendliness of Tana Toraja.

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