Tomina's Spiritual Role –
Guiding the Deceased's Soul

The air was thick with the scent of incense and the hum of chanting as the second day of the Rambu Solo unfolded. In the midst of the funeral ceremony, a figure moved with purpose, their presence commanding respect- a Tomina, the spiritual leader guiding the deceased’s soul through the complex journey to the afterlife. Dressed in ceremonial garb, the Tomina's role was more than just ritual; it was the link between the living and the deceased, a guide who ensured the soul would safely reach Puya.

The Tomina’s work begins long before the funeral itself. From the moment of death, they are involved in guiding the family through spiritual preparations. In my time in Toraja, I witnessed the Tomina lead prayers, offerings, and other rites that helped facilitate the deceased’s transition. These practices were not mere customs but were considered essential to protect the soul and ensure it moved smoothly toward the afterlife.

With each animal sacrifice, each prayer offered, the Tomina acted as a spiritual guide, their voice carrying the prayers of the living to the spirit world. It was humbling to watch how deeply invested they were in the process, not just as ritual leaders but as keepers of tradition and protectors of souls. Their every gesture was steeped in meaning, with every word spoken reverberating with the weight of generations of belief. In the world of Toraja, the Tomina holds the power to navigate the realms of the living and the dead, ensuring the passage from one world to the next is both safe and honourable.

Toparenge's Practical Role –
The Community Helpers Responsible for Funeral Logistics

As the ceremonies continued, the buzz of activity was palpable. Buffalo were being prepared, offerings were being arranged, and the sounds of drums filled the air, but amidst the chaos, there was a quiet efficiency- a group of people moving swiftly, tending to every detail, ensuring nothing was overlooked. These were the Toparenge, the community helpers who played a vital, behind-the-scenes role in making the funeral happen.

The Toparenge are not spiritual leaders like the Tomina, but their role is just as critical. Their job is to ensure that the practical side of the funeral is executed flawlessly. They handle everything from the preparation of the animals to coordinating the gathering of the community, managing the logistics, and overseeing the transportation of the deceased. It was striking to see how seamlessly they worked together, almost like a well-oiled machine, ensuring that the complex rituals could unfold without a hitch.

The Toparenge also maintain the flow of the ceremony, keeping the schedule on track, managing the guests, and ensuring that each ritual happens at the right time. While they may not perform the spiritual rites themselves, their work allows the Tomina and other spiritual leaders to focus on their sacred duties. In many ways, the Toparenge are the unsung heroes of the funeral process, quietly ensuring that the deceased’s journey is honoured with the same respect and care that is shown in the spiritual aspects of the ceremony. Their role may not be as visible as the Tomina’s, but without them, the whole ceremony would fall apart. It’s a reminder of how much of life, and death, depends on the invisible threads that hold everything together.