SHORT STORIES BEYOND WALLS #1

SHORT STORIES #1 - Jeremy Flohr 

In Toraja (South Sulawesi) there is a tree, the Pohon Tarra. Babies who have died before they have grown teeth, are buried in this tree. Over time, the tree grows around the baby's body and thus protects the baby's soul.

The baby is placed in the tree in a fetal position. Without clothing, but pure as it was born. The sap from the tree serves as mothers’ milk for the baby.

It makes the connection between land, culture and the Torajanese people clearly visible. And thereby shows how rooted the people are with the land of my ancestors.

Back to the Netherlands. Where I consider myself to be part of people who deal with uprootedness due to the impact of colonialism. The Torajanese language was thus not passed on to me, nor the indigenous knowledge of Tana Toraja.

A few months ago I was standing in a museum depot for a Beyond Walls project. In a cold, chilly room, we were led to a rack containing several wooden boxes. On one of the boxes, I read: 'fetus of a Toraja child'.

At that moment it felt like someone was calling my name.

What I saw moved me. A wooden box. No name. No Pohon Tarra. Alone. Uprooted.

ABOUT SHORT STORIES

With our Beyond Walls projects and collaborations we experience a lot. During the many after talks on location, in the pub or at home, we share, learn and reflect with each other. Often also with the people who attended programs or are involved in some other way.

For us, these are important moments. They give us many insights and inspiration. And keep us evolving by doing.

Through our own short stories, we want to take you with us and share the stories behind walls. And invite you to be a part of our journey.

Do you also have a short story or other experience that you want to share with us? Let us know! connect@beyondwallscollective.com