Toala in Indonesia

Introduction / History

The Toala live in eastern central region of Sulawesi (or Celebes), one of the major Indonesian islands. Sulawesi is a large, crab-shaped island that is generally mountainous and marked by volcanic cones. The Toala live near the valleys of the Poso, Laa, and Kalaena Rivers.

Many other tribes coexist with the Toala, all sharing similar religious beliefs and cultural practices. They also speak different dialects of the same language.

Prior to the twentieth century, the Toala highlands were often raided for coffee and slaves. Headhunting raids to avenge the death of a kinsman were also common.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most Toala raise all of their own food. They work copra plantations and grow rice, their major crop, in terraced paddies and harvest it by hand. Single metal-bladed plows drawn by water buffalo or men are still in use. Toala farmers also grow maize, chilies, beans, yams and potatoes. Cash crops include coffee and cloves. They also gather snails, eels, and small fish from unplanted wet rice fields. Domestic animals include chickens, pigs, and water buffaloes, which are sacrificed on ritual occasions.

Villages tend to be small and dot hilltops or plains. As many as four to six families may live together in one house. Local kin groups make up villages, with all of the members being related by blood or marriage. The Toala emphasize respect for one's elders, diligence, and the place higher value on the family over individual and personal needs.

In the past, some marriages of the aristocracy were polygynous (having many wives), but today most are monogamous (having only one spouse). Once married, a person could choose to live in the village of his father, mother or spouse. Some marriages are still arranged by parents, but today, most young people select their own mates.

Adoption is a very common occurrence among the Toala, with parents and siblings rearing the children. Communities extend and strengthen family ties through adoption. In such cases, the children will often move back and forth between the households of their adoptive and biological parents.

The Toala are famous for their elaborately carved houses and rice barns as well as life-size statues of certain wealthy, deceased aristocrats.

What Are Their Beliefs?

While some Toala are Sunni Muslims, they have continued to embrace various forms of animistic belief (belief that non-human objects have spirits).

Among the Toala, the funeral is the most critical event in life. They believe that this ritual allows the deceased to leave the world of the living and proceed to the next. Funeral ceremonies vary in length and complexity, depending on one's wealth and status.

What Are Their Needs?

Unfortunately, the Toala have access to very few Christian resources. Who will tell the precious Toala that life can only be found through Jesus Christ?

Prayer Points

Pray that Christian literature, radio broadcasts, and television programs will become available in their language.

Text Source:   Joshua Project