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.
Tau-tau effigies installed on a high cliff balcony overlooking the green valley of the Toraja.
More about Toraja Funeral customs
elaborate storage house
caring for the water buffalo
on the path
chicken pens
for meat or fighting?
the village of
on the East coast of Sulawesi
other Indonesian areas
The Indonesian Island of Komodo
The Indonesian Islands of MOLUKA
The Indonesian Island of Selayar
The Indonesian Island of Sulawesi
The Indonesian Island of Sumatra