By: Deddy Todongi
Deep within the jungles and silent valleys of Central Sulawesi, dozens of giant, silent stones stand tall: the Palindo statue, massive kalamba, menhirs, and other stone figures shaped like humans—whose meanings remain only partially understood. They are megalithic cultural heritages long celebrated in the Bada, Napu, and Behoa Valleys.
But behind the awe of these majestic megaliths, one great question remains unanswered:
Who were the true makers of these stones? And—perhaps even more mysterious—where are they buried?
Unlike Sumba or Toraja
Unlike the megalithic sites in Sumba or Toraja, which feature stone graves, stepped tombs, or clearly identifiable burial systems, the megaliths in Central Sulawesi stand alone. There are no mass graves, no human remains discovered alongside these towering stone figures. The kalamba, suspected to be ancient coffins, have not yet been definitively proven to serve such a function.
This puzzles archaeologists, as megalithic cultures are generally strongly associated with ancestral burial systems.
Emerging Theories
There are several possible reasons why the remains of the megalith builders have not been found:
1. They were buried elsewhere
It’s possible that the burial sites were located in hidden caves, rivers, or sacred areas now covered by dense forests.
2. Burials left no trace
If the bodies were wrapped in organic materials such as wood, woven fibers, or cremated, they likely left no archaeological remains.
3. They simply haven't been found yet
Archaeological excavations in Central Sulawesi have not been carried out extensively. It's possible the graves are still buried underground.
4. Their death rites were different
The ancestors of Sulawesi may have had unique ways of dealing with death—symbolic rituals, sacrificial offerings, or even a rejection of permanent burials.
Older Than We Think?
The discovery of handprint paintings in caves in North Morowali and Menui Islands, estimated to be tens of thousands of years old, suggests that this region was inhabited long before the megalithic period began (around 3000–2000 BCE). Could the megalith builders be the continuation of that prehistoric civilization?
A Heritage at Risk of Silence
Unfortunately, many megalithic sites in Central Sulawesi are now in a concerning state. Lack of attention, absence of formal protection, and the lack of community-based management have left this heritage nearly forgotten. Yet, if properly preserved, these sites could become centers for research, education, and world-class cultural tourism.
The megaliths of Central Sulawesi do exist—and stand tall as silent witnesses of a glorious past. But the traces of their makers are still lost in the mists of history. Where they now rest, we still do not know. But this very mystery is what makes these stones more than mere relics—they are great question marks still waiting to be answered.
Posting Komentar