Tomattudangi, Mengabdi Pada Yang Mati

The Rambu Solo’ ceremony is a long-preserved funeral tradition in Mamasa, West Sulawesi, known for its rich cultural elements and its importance in local customs. Among its unique aspects is the “Tomattudangi,” a close relative who guards the body, as the deceased is not considered fully dead until the ceremony is held. Their duties involve various rules and can last months or even years, depending on the ceremony’s timing. The ritual of releasing the Tomattudangi from this role is also distinctive, captured by TVRI West Sulawesi in TOMATTUDANGI, Serving the Dead.