Bori'

Big stone monuments erected since the megalithic era, or the menhirs, are still raised in Toraja as a part of the traditional practices embodying the land in its entirety. Bori’ Parinding, a village with the largest menhir field, will surely let you taste the air of the legendary saga flowing freely in the area

Bori’ Parinding is a megalithic funeral site and burial ground. The site is located next to the side of the main road and is a 20-minute drive from Rantepao along winding country roads. The countryside in this part of Toraja is picturesque with flat open land covered in green rice fields that ripple in the wind. Along the route from Rantepao to Bori’ Parinding visitors pass through small villages.

The site is slightly above the road behind a fence. A series of steps lead up to the entrance where the ticket buyer rests. From the road, a visitor can see dozens of stones that poke up above the fence.

The ceremonial ground is an open area dotted with over 100 menhirs (standing stone pillars) that are supposed to represent the actions of dead nobles who are buried in the funeral ground that abuts Bori’ Parinding. Adjoining Bori’ Parinding is a traditional funeral site where funeral niches have been carved out of the cliff.

Bones lie in piles covered by undergrowth near the tombs. Behind the traditional funeral site at the top of Bori’ Parinding is a modern cemetery.

Bori’ Parinding is of enormous cultural significance for people who come from the highlands. Traditional feasts and rituals and thanksgivings for the departed are performed by Torajans in the ceremonial area. Visiting the site it’s easy to understand why Bori’ Parinding is so important to Torajans. This megalithic ceremonial ground is truly unique to Toraja.