Sulawesi Surprise!: 'Tau Tau' Souvenirs

The paddy field in Tana Toraja seemed so green. No wonder we hear of people saying that the pasture at the other side of the field is greener! Our bus came to a stop and we saw some Tongkonan beckoning. Tongkonan, if you remember, are traditional Torajan houses with the characteristic boat-shaped roof. There are three types of tongkonan, the tongkonan layuk, the tongkonan pekamberan and the tongkonan batu, each built to house people of different status. Our untrained eyes probably missed the differences but then of course, the souvenir stores at the entrance of the village we were visiting were more attractive! Many of us clambered to browse the souvenirs sold, mostly woodcarvings and T-shirts and there were dolls being sold too. You'd be tempted to buy them to decorate the house but in Tana Toraja, the dolls or rather effigies are called tau tau and are placed in cemeteries to represent the dead... 28
Can you spot the tau tau?

Travel Tips: Know your souvenirs!