Torajan Funeral Ceremony
Jun 25, 2010 Articles, Photography, Photojournalism, Travel
On a hot afternoon in a dusty, dry field, many rows of water buffalo are standing together patiently in the sun. With his left hand holding the first buffalo in the row by a short rope and his right hand softly stroking its head, a young Torajan with a broad bladed knife tucked into his waistband prepares himself for the ritual slaughter. Hundreds of guests and villagers are milling around but the rowdy crowd suddenly goes completely quiet. No one moves. All eyes are on the young man stroking the buffalo’s head. With lightning speed he pulls the broad blade from its sheath and slices down across the water buffalo’s neck. A split second later blood spurts from the wound and the buffalo sinks to its knees and falls over.
Tags: Ceremony, Funeral, Makassar, Tana Toraja
