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SOUTH
SULAWESI
The province of South Sulawesi comprises the narrow south-western
peninsula of this orchid-shaped island that is mainly mountainous.
The Province of South Sulawesi is comprised of 23 Regencies,
with four main ethnic groups, having some seven million inhabitants.
The region's unique culture, ancient traditions, mystical way
of life, and ethnic natural beauty make it a notable addition
to one's travel experiences. It is a place where travellers
interact with both nature and local people, where nature and
the people are one, and where both are shared with the visitor.
The seafaring Bugis dominate the southern part, whereas the
northern part of South Sulawesi is inhabited by the Torajas
whose unique culture rivals that of the Balinese.
Famed for their seafaring heritage and Pinisi schooners for
centuries, the Bugis posses to the present day one of the last
sailing fleets in the wood. The Bugis vessels have sailed to
as far as the Australian coast, leaving behind drawing of their
ships on stone with words that |
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have
been integrated into the Aboriginal language of north Australia. Situated
on the crossroads of well travelled sealaness, its capital and chief
trading port of Ujung Pandang, is till today the gateway to eastern
Indonesia. Spanish and Portuguese galleons, followed by British and
Dutch traders sailed these seas in search of the spice trade, escorted
by their men of war to protect them against the daring raids of the
Bugis and Makassaresse who attacked the intruders.
An ethnic group who believes that their forefathers descended from
heaven into a mountain some twenty generations ago, the Torajas have
unique culture based on animistic beliefs. Known for their grand burial
ceremonies on cliff or hanging stone graves, they practice an ancestor
cult even today where death and afterlife ceremonies are great feasts
when buffaloes are sacrificed in the final death ceremony, after which
the deceased's remains are placed in a coffin and interred in caves
hollowed out in high cliffs. Lifelike statues, looking out from a
"balcony" guard the mouth of the cave. As death has such an important
meaning when the souls are released, burials are elaborate and follow
days of feasting. Rock graves are also a form of burial. A strict
hierarchy is followed in the villages. |
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