EXHUMING THE CORPSES

THE TORAJA PEOPLE OF INDONESIA’S PRACTICE

OF EXHUMING THE CORPSES OF THEIR FELLOW
VILLAGERS AND PARADING THEM AROUND
The Torajans are an ethnic group indigenous to a mountain
region of South Sulawasi, Indonesia. Their population is
approximately 1,100,000, of which 450,000 live in the
regency of Tana Toraja (“Land of Toraja”). Most of the
population is Christian, and others are Muslim or have local
animist beliefs known as aluk (“the way”). The Indonesian
government has recognized this animistic belief as Aluk To
Dolo (“Way of the Ancestors”).
 HISTOR
Y
 According to Archaeological research, the tradition
could date back more than 900 years.
 In 1913, Dutch missionaries founded schools in Toraja
and most of the population converted to Protestantism
or Roman Catholicism. However, despite practicing
Christianity, contemporary Toraja death rites, including
the slaughter of Buffalo, continue to be strongly
influenced by the old religion.
 HISTOR
Y
 1960 – Indonesian government officially recognized
only the religion of Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and
Christianity. But the Toraja argued their religion was no
different from Balinese Hinduism and, in 1970, Aluk
To’Dolo was recognized as a form of Hinduism.
  TRADITIONAL RELIGION

 ALUK TO DOLO (“Way of The Ancestors”)

 A combination of ancestor cult, myth, and animal

sacrifice.
  TRADITIONAL RELIGION

1. The deceased are treated as if they

are sick (Toma Kula).

 Wrapped corpses are kept in the Southernmost room

of the Tongkonan, the traditional Torajan house,
because Puya (heaven) lies in that direction, while the
North is where life is found. The ‘sick’ must face
West, though, because they are in transition.
 TRADITIONAL RELIGION
2. It is only when a suitable amount of
money has been raised and every
relative has been contacted that the
family begins funeral and burial
preparation.

3. The last breath of the first

sacrificial water Buffalo killed during
the Rambu Solo ceremony marks the
official death of a ‘sick person’.
  TRADITIONAL RELIGION

4. The final resting place is in a

cave up on the cliff.

5. Every one to three years, a clan

will gather for the ritual known as
Ma’nene (ritual of cleaning
corpses).
 CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
 “Toraja people believe the spirit of the dead lives
among us, the living, looking out for us, blessing
us.” –Eric Crystal Rante Allo (head of the Torajan
branch of AMAN)
 Torajans highly respect their dead.
 Ma’nene – opportunity for the younger generations
to connect with their ancestors.
 CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
 A funeral is viewed as a showing of status for
Torajan families.
 Death is not seen as something to fear, but a normal
step in life that embraced fully.
 REASONS WHY IT
DEVALUES HUMAN
LIVES
 Costly

 Victim of tradition
 GROUP #3
• ANDREA SAGALA
• JOMAR SOLANO
• JOY KIMBERLY FRONDOZO
• MAY ANN FAJARDO
• ROCHELLE ELIOT
• ROWENA RALLONZA