When you look up South Sulawesi’s Toraja culture, one of the most popular images that appear is Tongkonan house. This traditional house is famous for its curved roof, which looks like a boat or water buffalo’s horns and its intricate decorative motifs. Makassar tattoo studio is often inspired by ethnic motifs, including patterns you might see on traditional Tongkonan houses. Before you get inspired by these motifs to make tattoo designs, let’s learn more about their aesthetics and their meanings.
Types of Motifs on Tongkonan House at Makassar Tattoo Studio
Traditionally, tongkonan is not just a house but a microcosm of the universe, according to Toraja culture. The motifs outside the house represent various aspects of life, culture and religious belief of the local people. Even though most people live in modern houses now, tongkonan and its intricate motifs are enduring cultural symbols.
Here are several motifs you can turn into tattoo design inspiration:
- Pa’ Manuk Londong
Pa’ Manuk Londong means “rooster”, and this image is usually present on the front and the back of the house. The rooster represents positive things like leadership, wisdom, honesty and intuition.
- Pa’ Bulu Londong
Still related to the meaning of rooster in Toraja culture, Pa’ Bulu Londong refers explicitly to a cock’s comb. This motif represents charisma and strength and is usually regarded as masculine.
- Tedong
Tedong is a water buffalo motif, usually depicted as the head of a water buffalo viewed from the front. This motif is usually painted on large boards on the upper parts of the house or the supporting walls. Since water buffaloes are important animals in Toraja culture, this motif means high status, royalty, treasure and prosperity.
- Pare/Paria
Pare or paria is another name for bitter melon. This motif is usually depicted as leaves that intertwine with one another. Pare is known as a nutritious vegetable and ingredient for various traditional medicines. The motif represents honesty and healing power that comes from something that looks unpleasant or “bitter”, like medications and honest advice.
- Pa’ Barre Allo
Pa’ Barre Allo is a striking motif that represents the sun. It has a circular shape with intricate details inside and jutting lines outside, representing light. This motif is usually painted on the front and the back of the house and it symbolizes the Creator and protective power. This motif is usually present in the houses of respected people.
- Pa’ Doti Langi
Pa’ Doti Langi is an intricate motif that consists of repeated cross-like patterns with star-like shapes in the middle. It represents stars, feminine power, intuition and wisdom. It is also a typical motif in the houses of women with high statuses.
- Pa’ Kapu Baka
Pa’ Kapu Baka was inspired by ropes people used to secure their treasure chests or boxes in the past. This motif consists of repeated knots, representing prosperity and strength to protect precious things.
- Pa’ Bombo Uai
Pa’ Bombo Uai is a motif inspired by anggang-anggang (water striders), a type of water insect with long legs and the flexibility to walk on water. This motif encourages the owner (or wearer, in the case of a tattoo) to have adaptation skills, tenacity and agility to navigate life challenges.
What Colors Use in Tattoo Designs
If you visit Makassar tattoo studio and want to mimic the unique beauty of Toraja-inspired motifs, try sticking with the original bold, warm colors with an earthy tone. Tongkonan house motifs usually have red and black as the main colors, with white and yellow as highlights. All these colors have special meanings.
Red symbolises life power, and black means death, which shows how close and inseparable these powers are. This combination also makes your tattoo design look striking and powerful. Meanwhile, white symbolises a clean soul and purity, while yellow means blessing and prosperity. Great colors to balance the strong red and black shades.
Ideas for Tongkonan-inspired Tattoo Designs
There are many ways to incorporate these motifs into creative designs.
The repetitive patterns, like Pa’ Doti Langi and Pare, are great as arm, waist, leg or sleeve tattoos. They are also great for adorning large areas like the back and chest. Meanwhile, motifs with iconic shapes like the rooster and water buffalo will look great in prominent areas. Place them in the middle of your chest, the points of the shoulders, the nape or as a forearm tattoo.
Toraja motifs are often intricate and full of multiple linings. They are great options for sophisticated, daring and notable looks. Their dramatic color combinations also serve your tattoos well.
How to Get Beautiful Toraja Tattoos
You can look up these motifs to create unique, personal tattoos in Makassar tattoo studio. Beside that, Bali has some of the best tattoo studios and artists, you can contact Ink Satire Bali Private Tattoo Studio to get your dream design on your skin. Combining experienced artists with exclusive service and high-quality tattoo artistry, it is a great place to get beautiful and sophisticated tattoos.
Book your session at Ink Satire Bali Private Tattoo Studio now and get your dream Toraja-inspired designs etched beautifully on your skin.