South
Sulawesi
South Sulawesi province comprises the narrow southwestern peninsula of this
orchid-shaped island, which is mainly mountainous. The seafaring Bugis dominant
the southern tip, 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 possess to the
present day one of the last sailing fleets in the world. The
Bugis vessels have sailed as far as the Australian beach, leaving behind drawings
of their ships on stone with words that have been integrated into the Aboriginal
language of north Australia. Situated on the crossroads of well-traveled sea-lanes,
its capital and chief trading port of Ujung Pandang, 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 Makassar who
attacked the intruders. Ujung
Pandang, was formerly Makassar, well known for its Makasar oil from which the
English word "antimacassar" evolved for small covers to protect upholstery.
The fortifications, which overlook the harbor, were originally built in 1545.
Gowa's most famous king is considered a national hero, named Sultan Hasanuddin,
the 16th king of Gowa who waged a long and fierce war against the colonial forces.
The Tomanurung stone with the inscriptions can still be seen in a plot neighboring
the royal graves, near Sungguminasa, formerly the seat of the Gowa kings. The
Bugis kingdom of Bone, Wajo and Soppeng and the Makassarase kingdom of Gowa emerged
in 13th century. Though interrelated through marriage, Bone and Gowa have for
centuries battled against each other. The southern beach is protected by small
archipelagoes and has excellent facilities for water sports. These islands have
been developed for holiday resorts. Further north, through rugged country is Tana
Toraja, often referred to as the "Land of the Heavenly Kings".
An ethnic
group who believes that their forefathers descended from heaven onto a mountain
some twenty generations ago, the Torajas have a unique culture based on animistic
beliefs. Known for their grand burial ceremonies on cliffs or hanging graves,
they practice an ancestral 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 feasting days. Rock
graves are also a form of burial. A strict hierarchy is followed in the villages.
| | Information
and pictures courtesy of Indonesia Tourism. |
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