Typology and Chronology of Erong Wooden Coffins in Tana Toraja, South Celebes

Abstract

The wooden coffin burial system, locally known as erong, is a unique culture in Toraja, and very little is known about it, especially regarding the various types of coffin and when this culture began. In 2010, a systematic survey was conducted in several burial sites and samples were collected for radiocarbon dating. The research also included an ethno-archaeological study. An investigation was undertaken at 19 sites and 100 of wooden coffins were discovered. These coffins fell into three categories; boat-shaped types, buffalo-shaped types, and pig-shaped types. These coffins were always placed in cliffs, caves, or niches and were located close to a village or rice field and garden. The type and placement of wooden coffins in Tana Toraja was strongly influenced by the deeply-rooted beliefs and social system in the Aluk Todolo doctrine. Wooden coffins were only used for nobles, and the type of coffin used was based on what role the noble had played within the society or community. Radiocarbon dating results suggest that wooden coffins have been used in Toraja from at least c. 800 BC and were still being used up until the 1960s.

Keywords:

• wooden coffin
• erong coffin
• social stratification
• Toraja

Acknowledgements

In particular, I would like to thank to all friends who helped in this research, they are Prof. Dr Stephen Chian, Muhammad Husni, Hasanuddin, Muhammad Nur, Yohanis, and all the staff of Institute for Archaeological Research Makassar. Thanks are also due to Abby George, in particular, and Paul Devereux for rendering my somewhat broken English into workable form.

Additional information

Funding

This research is supported by funding from Geran University Research and Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia, University of Science Malaysia, Pinang Island.

Notes on contributors

Akin Duli

The author is a Lecturer in the Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Letters, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia.