The Toraja people are one of the ethnic groups that are famous for their rich and unique culture and traditions. One of the traditions that attracts the attention of many people is Ma’tinggoro Tedong, which means slaughtering buffalo by slashing their necks with a machete in one stroke. Ma’tinggoro Tedong is usually performed in the series of death ceremonies or Rambu Solo, as a form of respect and escort for the soul of the deceased to the afterlife. Here is an article that discusses Ma’tinggoro Tedong, from its origin, process, meaning, to interesting facts about this tradition.
The Origin of Ma’tinggoro Tedong
Ma’tinggoro Tedong comes from the word ma’tinggoro which means slashing, and tedong which means buffalo. This term only applies to the slaughter of buffalo, while for other animals such as pigs, cows, horses, or deer, different terms are used. According to history, the tradition of Ma’tinggoro Tedong has existed since the pre-Hindu era in Toraja, when the Toraja people still adhered to animism and dynamism beliefs. At that time, buffalo were considered sacred animals that had a spiritual connection with humans. Buffalo also symbolized wealth and power for the Toraja people.
The Process of Ma’tinggoro Tedong
Ma’tinggoro Tedong is performed by someone called pa’tinggoro, who is someone who has the skill and courage to slaughter buffalo with a machete. Pa’tinggoro must be able to slash the buffalo’s neck with one stroke, without hesitation or missing the target. If he fails, it is considered as a shameful and humiliating thing that lowers his dignity. Ma’tinggoro Tedong is performed in a place called simbuang batu, which is a large stone used to tie the legs of the buffalo that will be slaughtered. Simbuang batu is usually placed near the tongkonan or traditional house of Toraja, where the death ceremony takes place. Before slaughtering the buffalo, pa’tinggoro must perform some rituals, such as asking permission from God Almighty, ancestral spirits, and buffalo spirits. Pa’tinggoro also must check the condition of his machete, whether it is sharp and clean. After that, pa’tinggoro will approach the buffalo that has been tied to the simbuang batu, and pat its neck while speaking softly to it. Then, pa’tinggoro will swing his machete strongly and accurately to the buffalo’s neck. If successful, then the buffalo’s blood will spurt out and hit pa’tinggoro. This is considered as a sign that the buffalo’s spirit has accepted pa’tinggoro as its master.
The Meaning of Ma’tinggoro Tedong
Ma’tinggoro Tedong has philosophical and religious meanings for the Toraja people. The slaughtered buffalo is considered as a sacred animal that will escort the soul of the deceased to puya or the afterlife. Buffalo also represent wealth, power, and social status of the family that holds the death ceremony. The more and better buffalo are slaughtered, the higher the degree of the family. In addition, Ma’tinggoro Tedong is also a form of solidarity and togetherness among Toraja people. The meat of the slaughtered buffalo is distributed to all guests and participants of the death ceremony, without distinguishing class or background. The buffalo meat is considered as a special food that can increase strength and health.
Some interesting facts about Ma’tinggoro Tedong are:
Ma’tinggoro Tedong is a unique tradition of the Toraja people, who live in the highlands of South Sulawesi, Indonesia. It means slaughtering buffalo by slashing their necks with a machete in one stroke.
Ma’tinggoro Tedong is usually performed as part of the death ceremonies or Rambu Solo, which are elaborate and expensive rituals that can last for several days or even weeks. The purpose of Ma’tinggoro Tedong is to honor and escort the soul of the deceased to the afterlife or puya.
Ma’tinggoro Tedong is done by someone called pa’tinggoro, who is a skilled and brave person who can slaughter buffalo with a machete. Pa’tinggoro must be able to slash the buffalo’s neck with one stroke, without hesitation or missing the target. If he fails, it is considered as a shameful and humiliating thing that lowers his dignity.
Ma’tinggoro Tedong is done in a place called simbuang batu, which is a large stone used to tie the legs of the buffalo that will be slaughtered. Simbuang batu is usually placed near the tongkonan or traditional house of Toraja, where the death ceremony takes place.
Ma’tinggoro Tedong has philosophical and religious meanings for the Toraja people. The slaughtered buffalo is considered as a sacred animal that will escort the soul of the deceased to puya or the afterlife. Buffalo also symbolize wealth, power, and social status of the family that holds the death ceremony. The more and better buffalo are slaughtered, the higher the degree of the family.
Ma’tinggoro Tedong is also a form of solidarity and togetherness among Toraja people. The meat of the slaughtered buffalo is distributed to all guests and participants of the death ceremony, without distinguishing class or background. The buffalo meat is considered as a special food that can increase strength and health.
Ma’tinggoro Tedong is not only done for death ceremonies, but also for other occasions such as weddings, inaugurations, thanksgivings, or festivals. Sometimes, Ma’tinggoro Tedong is also done as a form of entertainment or competition among pa’tinggoro.