Model of Tau-Tau (Torajan Burial Effigies)

Tautau are a type of funerary effigy made of wood or bamboo particular to the Toraja of southern Sulawesi. Tautau means simply "men" in Torajan, but it is understood to mean specifically the likenesses of the dead which are carved, clothed, and displayed by Torajan villages to honor and provide housing for the deceased population, which is understood to be an active presence in the community. Life size tautau are set among crypts carved by hand into solid rock cliffs high above the rice fields.

Tautau are believed to have originated as late as the nineteenth century. They were once produced only for the wealthy, to reflect the status and wealth of the deceased. The tautau are representatives of the deceased, guarding the tombs and protecting the living, but they are also active representatives of the dead and are often equipped with minor possessions of the deceased. In the early 1900s, with the arrival of the Dutch Christian missionaries in Toraja, the production of tautau was discouraged; perhaps ironically, later in the twentieth century they became the target of theft for sale to collectors and museums. In response, the Torajans hid some of their tautau and placed iron fences around the tombs of others. At the same time, the interest of outsiders engendered a lively manufacture of tautau models such as this, perhaps in part to protect the actual dead.

Traditionally, the effigies were simply carved, depicting only the gender of the deceased and perhaps a few leading characteristics. However, they have become more and more elaborate, especially among the elite, actually attempting to imitate the likeness of the deceased. The types of wood used for the effigies and their clothing also reflect the status and wealth of the dead. Tautau of the wealthy would generally be made of wood from the jackfruit tree. The less wealthy generally have their tautau made from bamboo, which will also be undressed at the end of the funeral.

Wood, cotton cloth, batik cloth, pigment; 26.5 x 15.5 x 7.5cm.