tau tau
Tau tau are traditional wooden effigies found in the Toraja region of Indonesia. They are crafted to represent deceased individuals and are often placed in cliffside graves or burial sites. These life-sized statues are designed to honor the dead and serve as a reminder of their presence in the community.
The creation of tau tau involves skilled artisans who carve and paint the figures to resemble the deceased. The statues are typically dressed in clothing that reflects the person's status and lifestyle. This practice is part of the larger Toraja culture, which emphasizes elaborate funeral rituals and ancestor worship.