Dynamics of cultural change among the Toraja of sulawesi the commoditization of tradition

In the last few years an increasing number of studies have focused on Toraja culture, in particular on cultural changes brought about by tourist intrusion. Both processes of cultural objectification and transformations of Toraja ethnic identity have been stressed. However, important aspects of cultural, social, and economic change have been overlooked. In this article I argue that not only foreign tourists but also several local subjects (native travel agencies, Christian churches, and state agencies) are deeply involved in the dynamics of Toraja cultural change, in particular in the transformation of the processes of social distribution which take place during funeral ceremonies.