Göbekli Tepe      From Nomad to Settler Natufians Tell es-Sultan Çatal Hoyuk Ain Ghazal      Drawing a Parallel All photos, maps and other images can be clicked on to take you to the site where we found the image. If you own the copyright to any such image and do not want us to publicise it for you in this way, please contact the webmaster and it will be removed.

Drawing a Parallel: The Toraja Review "Drawing a Parallel: The Toraja" Rambu Soloq (Rites of The Dead of Tana Toraja) Excerpt: "The ceremony is often held weeks, months, or years after the death so that the deceased's family can raise the significant funds needed to cover funeral expenses. Torajans traditionally believe that death is not a sudden, abrupt event but a gradual process toward Puya (the land of souls, or afterlife). It is based on a strong belief that the soul of the deceased travels to the land of the south and in this land of eternity, he will need all the requisites of everyday life in the hereafter just like when he was alive in this world. During the waiting period, the body of the deceased is wrapped in several layers of cloth and kept inTongkonan. The soul of the deceased is thought to linger around the village until the funeral ceremony is completed, after which it begins its journey to Puya.In Toraja a person is not considered dead until this last ceremony and the soul is released to the heavens. It is this celebration that is so absorbing." This image shows dead ancestors being lovingly groomed and dressed before being 'walked' around the village. More images.

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