A Study on Historical Characteristics and Modern Trend of Torajan Traditional Housing in Indonesia

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the basic historical characteristics and its modern trend of Torajan traditional housing architecture in Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. The Toraja culture belongs to the cosmological culture with Cosmos centric characteristics. A traditional house, being called ‘tongkonan’ in Toraja region, is more than just a structure, representing the symbol of family identity and tradition. The Torajan architecture is a combination of the myth and cosmos, also regional conditions. With a short description of the general conditions and spiritual values of the Toraja, this paper explains the space-composition, the stylistic characteristics, the ornamental elements, construction, and its modern trend, etc. In general, it is raised on stilts several metres high, with a dramatically boat-shaped roof. Village layout varies according to size. The houses are arranged in a row, side by side, with their front gables facing north. Each house stands opposite its own rice-barn. The houses with their oblong ground-plans, built on piles set on stones. The interior is divided into three or four rooms, having few window. The houses are embellished with carving and paintings, and the facades display engraved and painted geometric and figural designs. The most frequent motif is the buffalo head, ranging from the realistic to the highly stylized. The Torajan traditional housing have experienced radical changes during the Modern period. In spite of the popularity of new modern house-styles, the traditional architectural style is often now constructed as an icon of Toraja identity. This paper will be helpful for understanding regional diversity of the traditional housing in Southeast Asia.