Deep in the Indonesian archipelago lies the island of Sulawesi. A fertile land of tropical jungle, mountains and lakes; it is without doubt one of the most fascinating islands on the planet. On the southeast part of the island in a valley surrounded by mountains is the highland province of Torajaland, acknowledged as one of the most beautiful regions of Indonesia. The word "Toraja" means people of the mountains and this remote region has its own very distinct culture. When the rest of Indonesia was under Dutch control, Torajaland was still independent. It did not succumb to Dutch rule until 1906, although other parts of the island had been under
Dutch control since the beginning of the 19th century. Seventy-five percent of the population of about 666,000 are Christian, but in the more remote areas the old religion of "Aluk Todolo," which means "The Way of the Ancestors," is still followed by many people. Ancestors are highly respected and the living and the dead, in the form of spirits, are deeply combined in all aspects of everyday life.
Although a remote area and still fairly well sheltered from the ravages of the 21st century, Torajaland is nevertheless starting to change. Now discovered as a holiday destination, tourism is starting to take its toll. There have been instances where Tau-Tau have been stolen for souvenirs and the trust of the local people is not inexhaustible. I cannot help wondering for how much longer the people of the mountains will continue to follow "The Way of the Ancestors."
By Leo Palmer * Northumberland, England
COPYRIGHT 2002 Photographic Society of America, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group
Source: PSA Journal |
