Toma Kula

Toma Kula marks the transitional period before starting the funeral ceremony Rambu Solo'. A person is only considred dead once the funeral ceremony begins, until then the Toma Kula, the sick person, can stay in traditional house for weeks, months, often years. Family members the Toma Kula rice, water, to some also cigarettes, speak to them daily. Torajans maintain the bond between the living and the spirit as it prepares for its journey. This period reflects the Torajan understanding of death as a gradual passage, not a sudden end.