Passura Toraja

In the Torajan community, “Passura” refers to carving. Tana Toraja features four significant motifs on Passura, including Pa’ Barre Allo representing the sun as a symbol of God, Pa’ Manuk Londong depicting a rooster symbolizing wise leadership, Pa’ Tedong symbolizing prosperity through a buffalo motif, and Pa’ Sussu’ representing democracy through a line motif. Tana Toraja is home to approximately 32 indigenous groups in South Sulawesi, such as Sa’dan, Kesu, Pangala, and Tikala communities. Each community has its unique specialization, with Sa’dan being renowned for weaving, Kesu for carving, and Pangala and Tikala for coffee production. The vibrant colors of Toraja, including red, white, yellow, and black, hold symbolic meanings rooted in the original belief system called “Aluk To Dolo.” Red symbolizes blood, white represents bone, yellow signifies divine grace and power, and black symbolizes death.