Category : History and Culture
There are different types of tongkonans depending on the status or class of the group, as well as the area where it is located.
The tongkonan is built on three levels each serving a separate function. The 'sulluk' is underside of house where the buffaloes are kept. On the second level is where the family live and the third is said to be 'where the cat sleeps'.
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| Toraja House [Tongkonan] |
The second level is divided into three parts.
The " tangdo' " is the northern room which is higher and reserved for the older people, like the grandparents and guests.
The " sali " or centre room is lower and is divided into the eastern and western parts. The eastern part serves as a kitchen with rocks placed to serve as a fireplace and a hanging tray used to store wood for burning.
The western part of this centre room is the sphere of the dead, where the dead bodies are laid out during the funeral ceremony. It functions as a dining room at other times.
The southern room or "sumbung" is the sphere of the dead and is used for some rituals. Otherwise it serves as a bedroom for the father, mother and children.
 Toraja House |
The exterior carvings on the wooden planks symbolise different aspects of the social life of the people. Only four colours are used in the decorations. Black which is associated with death, yellow for God's blessing, white means purity and red represents human life.
The buffalo and chicken-head carvings symbolise leadership and are found only on these tongkonan belonging to adat leaders.
As the tongkonan is costly to build, only a small percentage of the people can afford them. Others live in more modern-style houses.
Rice barns or "alang" are part of the tongkonan and are a proof of the wealth of the owner. It position be faced with tongkonan.
The lower floor is open and is used for family meetings and to entertain guests. The upper floor is to store rice and is made of bamboo matting. To prevent rats and mice entering this floor, the posts used to erect them are smooth round palm tree trunks, too slippery to climb.
 Toraja Rice Barns |
The completion of a Tongkonan is celebrated with ceremonies and feasting, with the participation of the ramage who help contribute to the costs. No nails are used in the construction of a tongkonan, and the roof is mainly thatch.
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