WOX TRAVEL CONTEST | WEEK 3 | UNIQUE TORAJAN CULTURE - PART 2

mytravelandscape (67)Team 250SP 🐟in WORLD OF XPILAR • 10 months ago

Unique Torajan Culture - Part 2 Bori Megalithic and Burial Site

^{Bori Burial Site}

In Part 1, we delved into the wonders of Kete Kesu, and now in Part 2, we continue our journey to the Kalimbuang Bori Tourist Attraction. This tourist spot is a megalithic site and an ancient burial ground of the Toraja community. What makes it unique is that the deceased are placed in large stone holes. In this burial complex, I discovered a multitude of tombs carved into massive rocks.

^{Stone Coffin}

Almost all the large stones here have cavities for coffins. Several Tongkonan structures offer convenient shelter for visitors. This site is also known as a megalithic site due to the presence of numerous menhirs in various sizes.

^{A Man Making Burial Holes}

During my visit here, I was fortunate to witness the process of creating burial holes in a large stone. The tools used consisted only of granite chisels. It's said that preparing a single hole takes two years and incurs a considerable cost. However, the Toraja community is known for conducting elaborate funeral ceremonies that come with significant expenses, so this is not uncommon.

Baby Cemetery

Not far from this location, you'll find a baby cemetery. The Toraja people have a unique tradition for burying deceased infants: they place the bodies in the embrace of a large tree, the Tarra Tree, some local Called it Pohon Ibu (Mother Tree) because it replaced women womb for Infants. Only trees aged hundreds of years are chosen. The Tarra Tree plays a crucial role in Toraja's customs and traditions surrounding infant burials in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Also known as Tara tara or Sterculia foetida, this tree is considered sacred and holds a close connection to ancestral spirits.

^{Baby Cemetery On Tarra Tree}

During Toraja's infant funeral ceremonies, the baby's body is usually placed in a wooden or bamboo pot, then positioned in the embrace of the prepared Tarra Tree. This tree is believed to serve as a vessel to care for and protect the soul of the departed infant. However, according to our guide, the last infant burial in the Tarra Tree took place in the 1970s. Nowadays, the Toraja community rarely employs this practice for newborns.

Leaving this site shortly after, and based on a friend's recommendation, I continued towards a Tongkonan structure that had recently concluded a Rambu Solo ceremony.

^{Wooden Handicraft Of Torajan Culture}

Unfortunately, I missed the ritual itself, but it wasn't a huge disappointment as I found numerous traditional Torajan crafts here, ranging from woven textiles to woodcrafts.

I didn't have much time to explore many spots due to time constraints. The last place we visited was the residence of Antonie Aris van de Loosdrecht, characterized by its traditional architecture, with a missionary statue standing in front.

^{Statue Of Antonie Aris van de Loosdrecht}

My visit to Tana Toraja was an invaluable experience, offering the beauty of nature, unique culture, and hospitable people. It's a missed opportunity to visit South Sulawesi without venturing into North Toraja. For those eager to witness the Manene traditional ceremony, plan your trip for August or early September.

Thats all about my Travel to Rantepao North Toraja District, what do you think about Torajan Culture? Leave your comment Down below guys. If you have any Questions i try my best to Answer.

Tulisan & Foto Foto Milik
@mytravelandscape

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10 months ago in WORLD OF XPILAR by mytravelandscape (67)Team 250SP 🐟

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kozanozdra (65)Member 10 months ago

Beautiful pictures. It seems interesting place to visit it

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mytravelandscape (67)Team 250SP 🐟 10 months ago

thank you very much..

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tommyl33 (61) 10 months ago

I really want to visit toraja . Havent get any chances to go there yet. Maybe someday.

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mytravelandscape (67)Team 250SP 🐟 10 months ago

You should get here someday, and i guarantee you will be amazed by torajan culture..i also want to go back there if i have time. I still haven't see the Manene Ritual, and Rambu Solo ritual..

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