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Tana Toraja: Journey to the Afterlife

My Scholarship entry - A 'place' I have visited

The tradition and concept of death is passed on to the next generation.

INDONESIA | Monday, 7 January 2013 | Views [320] | View Larger Image

The tradition and concept of death is passed on to the next generation.

Traditional animist beliefs have persisted despite the Christian influence of Dutch colonization. Animal sacrifice continues to be an important feature of the funeral proceedings, being a major conduit to aiding the deceased in their journey into the afterlife. Pigs are sacrificed as gifts of food that the deceased can give to their ancestors when they arrive.

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Water buffalo are sacrificed to help assure the deceased a quick journey into the afterlife. The number sacrificed depends on the social status of the person; in this case, more than 30 water buffalos over three days.

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