Salama engka!
South Sulawesi, renowned for its delectable cuisine such as Pisang Epe, Es Pisang Ijo, Barongko, Coto Makassar, Sop Konro, Ikan Bakar Parape, and Songkolo Bagadang, offers a unique experience that cannot be found anywhere else.
The Bugis, Makassar, and Toraja ethnic groups inhabit the province that spans approximately 82,768 km². The Bugis and Makassar ethnic groups inhabit the coastal areas in the south, east, and west, while the Toraja ethnic group resides in the highlands or mountainous regions at elevations ranging from 700 to 1,200 meters above sea level.
The South Sulawesi Pavilion at TMII showcases three traditional houses: the Tongkonan House from the Toraja tribe, the Balla Lompoa House from the Makassar tribe, and the Bola or Souraja House from the Bugis tribe.
In the Bugis-Makassar region, aristocratic houses feature distinct details compared to ordinary homes. Inside, there’s a Rakkeang (Bugis) or Pammakkang (Makassar) to store heirlooms, rice, and other food supplies. There’s also Kale Balla, consisting of a living room, bedroom, and dining area, as well as Awasao or Passiringan to keep livestock and agricultural tools. While you’re here, explore South Sulawesi through displays of hunting and forest products, as well as traditional weavings and costumes from each tribe.
On the other hand, Toraja traditional houses generally face north, with wangka boat-shaped roofs (Bugis) adorned with carvings in red, white, yellow, and black. Buffalo horns in front of the house signify the number of house owners who have held traditional funerals.
The Toraja, known for their funeral ceremonies that are more expensive than weddings, display ornaments in front of their houses to reflect the owner’s status. Three pairs of buffalo heads (Kabonga) symbolize nobility, while a row of carved rice barns (alang) in front of the house indicates the owner’s wealth.
DID YOU KNOW?
In the Toraja perspective, buffaloes, especially tedong bonga, are considered magical creatures. The buffalo is revered as a spiritual vehicle in the journey to the afterlife, making its role in funeral ceremonies invaluable. In funeral ceremonies, especially for nobles, it is not uncommon for hundreds of buffalo and pigs to be sacrificed.
