This is the house of Ne'Karombi in Batutumonga along the road downhill to Tikala. In the mid-90's, this road used to be a popular trekking trail for tourists, and some of them would drop in and buy his handicrafts.

This sign tells visitors what to expect: "Here is traditional Toraja music. Name: Pa'karombi / Suling (flute) Toraja". And because he's a specialist for pa'karombi, they call him Ne'Karombi.

Ne'Karombi playing pa'karombi, an instrument made of bamboo.

Ne'Karombi holding a Toraja flute (refer to separate page) in his workshop in the space underneath the Buginese type house which stands on poles.

Various objects of art can be fond in his workshop, all covered with dust and lying amidst tools and utensils. It seems that Ne'Karombi has resigned.

Wooden snakes, lying there for a decade or so. No tourist comes along to buy Ne'Karombi's extremely cheap works of art.

Ne'Karombi in 1996 sitting on a peculiar homemade chair, a photo by Lia v.d. Broek ...

Pa'karombi with carved holder by Ne'Karombi.

Today, Ne'Karombi is trying to make a living by grinding coffee as the artistic sign says. We wish "Granddad Karombi" good luck and hope to meet him again.