Tana Toraja History

Tana Toraja History

The origin of Tana Toraja

Based on Toraja’s ancestor version, Torajanese are coming from Heaven or Nirvana. Toraja’s ancestors came down to a land (red: Tana Toraja) by using stair. This stair is also used as a tool to connect the human world and Nirvana. The ancestors came down to Tana Toraja by bringing a belief called aluk. This belief as the source of norm of people in Toraja in until today. The extension of this belief is divided into two parts; Tipamulanna aluk ditapa dao langi and Medemme’ di kapadaganna.

• Tipamulanna aluk ditapa dao langi means the beginning of aluk created in Nirvana
• Medemme’ di kapadaganna means aluk was given by Puang Biru Langi’ dirura

Based on DR. C. Cyrut, known as anthropologist, Torajanese are coming from the acculturation between local people and newcomer from China. This acculturation process is started when Chinese people sailed to a river in Enrekeng region (Buginese area). 

 The origin name of Tana Toraja

There are many versions of this given name. Sidenreng people called this area as To Riaja (people who live in the mountain). Luwu people called this area as To Riajang (people who lived in the west territory).

The religion of Torajanese

Aluk is used by Torajanese as a norm of their life. After several years, people in Toraja belief in religions like other people today. Some of them are Christian people and the other are Muslim. Although people in there have their own belief, they still tolerant to other people. It is because they believe that they are family who came from same place.

BACA JUGA BUDAYA TANA TORAJA

• Upacara Rambu Solo
• Upacara Rambu Tuka
• Ukiran Tana Toraja