When traveling Tanah Toraja, the homeland of the proud Torajanese mountain people, one cannot but notice the remarkable architecture of their houses. One thinks of a boat, which would not be that odd as all local legends tell the story of long and arduous boat trip from the north. Or maybe the shape reminds to a buffalo head? This could be an equally just explanation. The buffalo is, after all, a potent symbol of wealth throughout the Toraja world. Whatever explanation you may hear, read of or believe in, the sights on the numerous archetypal houses, are a constant reminder of where you are. The highly symbolic decorations on the wooden walls, often invoke typical village scenes. They are all wonderful pieces of folk art…
