The Toraja in the central mountainous region of the island of Sulawesi (Celebes) had (and today in part still have) a strongly hierarchically structured society: with ‘nobles’, ‘freemen’ and ‘slaves’. These divisions are also reflected in their burial forms. Only members of the nobility had the right to be buried in free-standing sarcophagi. Graded according to their rank into three forms: 1: Large sarcophagi in the form of a ship (very similar to the traditional houses of the Toraja, with their ship-form roofs) could only be used by members of the highest ranks of the aristocracy. Comparable to our princely houses. 2: The next, middle level of nobles, land-holders, were buried in sarcophagi in the form of water buffaloes. 3: The lowest level of the aristocracy were buried in sarcophagi in the form of pigs. For pigs were viewed as valuable property. These free-standing sarcophagi were set up in caves, beneath rocky overhangs, or on platforms. The present, large sarcophagus in the form of a ship is therefore a ‘princely sarcophagus’ of a man of the highest aristocratic rank of the Sa'adan-Toraja: it is made of wooden parts, richly and densely carved with various, symbolic and typical motifs of Toraja art in relief, as well as with inlaid white shell discs. A very rare, ‘museum-quality’ object. With very old patina and erosion caused by exposure to the elements (e.g. at both ends of the lid). The lid has been carved into two in the middle (apparently for reasons of transportation), and later joined together again. 17th/18th century or earlier. Dimensions: H: 137 cm; L: 277 cm. Provenance: Mons Steyaert, Brussels; Philipp Konzett, Vienna; René Clemencic Collection. (Mel)

additional image:
“RULER-SARCOPHAGUS” in the form of a ship, in a burial site of the Toraja nobles on Sulawesi (formery Celebes). These sarcophagi were set up on rock faces, beneath rock overhangs, or in caves.
Photo from: “The Eloquent Dead“ by Jerome Feldman