Overview of SULAWESI TORAJA

The bugis makasarese communities are known for their rigid social codes already regulated in their customs within the consept of panngadereng (beliefs)-which underline their  social dynamic. Inherited customary rules were inscribed on lontar leaves, called latoa, which emphasized the essence that god is the pivotal point of human life and this philosophy begets honesty, justice, such panngaderreng is still strongly held, and relates closely to the social called siri culture. Siri entails. However what essentially reflected beneath the surface are pride and self confidence. The torajaland is situated amidst a mountainouse surrounding, the natural scenery is admirable, although the biggest appeal of toraja is its traditional ceremonies. While islam is deeply among bugis makassar people, the Christian religions have replaced animism among the dwellers of toraja highland. However old beliefs called aluk tolodo still remain. Aluk tolodo in the toraja language means ritual for the ancestor whom are considered in contact with their descendants live. Even the construction of their traditional houses is characterized by such ritual . the shape of the roof, which likes the pows of a sail boat seems to retain the memory of big boats that pows of a sail boat seems to retain thememory of big boats that carried their ancestor-presumably from Indochina around 2,500 years B.C.A buffalo is not just an animal whose meat can be eaten or which is sacrificed in honoring their genealogical roots. Especially if the buffalo is of big size and long horn. The most exclusive one is that with white (albino)skin. The torajan believe in the continance  of life after death . this gives them difficulties in the hereafter. The buffalo and pigs being sacrificed are believed to accompany them later.