by : Ravenna
In former times, Toraja was called "Tondok Lepongan Bulan Tana Matarik Allo". The name of Toraja begin in used in 17th century when the Torajan Community making relationship in trade with their neighbours especially with Bugis-Luwuk and Bugis-Sidenreng Kingdoms territory.
The Toraja was word based from Bugis language ("To" and "Riaja"). It's word to named the community that living at that highest place.
"To" that is peoples and "Riaja" meaning upper side or mountain range. Because of Toraja territorial was having the place higher than Luwuk and Sidenreng territorial and constitute mountain territory.
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| Toraja Comunity |
Continuity, at the beginning of 20th century, the writer Kruyt and Adriani (Europe) use this name. Although in their books, they said thisToraja comprises large territorial of center Celebes that covering Pamona and Kaili ethnic groups that having different language and culture, but according to history of Toraja, they're not. The trully Toraja, they're having the same language and culture, e.g:
- Pantilang territorial and its environs.
- Tallu Lembangna territorial
- Tallu Batu Papan ( Enrekang and Duri territorial)
- Balimbing Kalua' and Tokalambunan territorial (West and North Side Tana Toraja county)
- Pitu Ulunna Salu territorial (Kondo Sapata' Uwae Sapalelean or Mamasa and
its environs)
- Makki and Galumpang territorial
- Seko and Rongkong territorial.
All of above using the same language family and culture was Toraja Culture that formerly called Tondok Lepongan Bulan Tana Matarik Allo.
One thing that important to know, although Toraja ethnic groups having the same language but consist of some groups with their respective dialects, e.g:
* Kesu' dialect (Makale-Rantepao)
* Duri dialect
* Mamasa dialect
Anyhow, there is still some opinion of Culture Expert about the name beginnings.
~o~
