Tau tau

In 1980s, the wooden effigies became a target for grave robbers looted and possessions kept with them and sold the figures to museums.

[6] Traditionally, the effigies were simply carved, only to show the gender of the deceased.

[4] The types of wood used for the effigies and what they are clothed in also reflect the status and wealth of the deceased.

They are usually permanent statues that can be found standing at the entrance of tombs, which are carved out of rock faces of Toraja.

The cave builders usually require payment of several buffalos that only the sufficiently wealthy can afford.