Toradja

the collective name for numerous related peoples and tribes—among them the Sadang, Palu, Poso, and Koro—that make up the indigenous population of central Sulawesi in Indonesia. They number about 1.4 million people (1975, estimate). Their language is related to the Indonesian languages. The main occupation of the Toradja is land cultivation (rice, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and legumes); they also raise buffalo. The Toradja were formerly famous for making clothing from tapa. They adhere mainly to the traditional tribal rites; Christianity and Islam were introduced in the late 19th century. The Toradja social structure retains significant tribal vestiges.