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NATSIR'S NATURE SCHOOL
Empowering The Local People
Many local people are skillful at creating crafts using traditional materials and techniques, but they sadly go unseen. It is our dream and mission to provide the local craftsman with the tools they need to pursue their crafts and the exposure they need to make a living and support their families through their talents. If you'd like to learn about traditional weaving or coconut carving, consider visiting Tana Toraja's local craftsman.
Korang's Buffalo Bone Carvings
Hundreds of buffalos are sacrificed for funeral ceremonies every year and the bones often go to waste. Korang uses this ‘waste’ to create culturally unique crafts; he has been carving buffalo bones into tau tau (human figurines) for over forty years and many of his tau tau now stand in the Kete’ Kesu’ museum.
If you would like to support Korang, a visit to observe his craft can be arranged.
Matius's Bamboo Instruments
Matius has always had a natural talent at making instruments from bamboo, however his craft went unappreciated for a long time. It is only in the last three years that locals and people from outside of Toraja have started to pay attention to his work. Through his craftsmanship, Matius is now able to support his family. Not only is Matius a skilled craftsman, but a musical instructor too.
If you would like to support Matius, you can learn how to play traditional bamboo instruments, or learn about the process of making bamboo instruments from beginning to end. Matius also invites you to come and watch the local orchestra.
Natsir's Bamboo Crafts & Organic Chocolate
Natsir has been producing his own chocolate for many years. He combines his organically grown cacao with palm sugar, peanuts, coconut and ginger. It comes wrapped in bamboo casing ready to buy. Not only this, but he has also begun handcrafting bamboo into kitchen and tableware.
Natsir’s appreciation of nature and drive to empower locals has lead him to his newest idea to train Toraja’s younger generation in creating products from natural and waste materials.
If you would like to support Natsir and his project, Natsir’s products are available for purchase.
Nawir's Coconut Carvings
For centuries people have extracted the shell from coconut and carved the natural material into household utensils. In recent years, this practice has shifted to purchasing factory-made products. The artistry in local craftsmanship is no longer supported or appreciated, and consquently it is dying out.
Nawir has continued to practice his craft; carving coconut shells into beautiful bowls, spoons and teapots.
If you would like to support Nawir and his family, Nawir's products are available for purchase.
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