Buffalo fighting in Toraja, IndonesiaFeriyanto, Feriyanto (Avtor) Hitipeuw, Imanuel (Avtor) Setiyowati, Ninik (Avtor) Mantong Tendenan, Vani (Avtor) Toding, Novita (Avtor) transformationbuffalo fightingTorajasocial legitimacyculturally embedded gamblinggames of chanceritualsqualitative researchIndonesiaThe article examines how buffalo fighting (tedong silaga) in Toraja, Indonesia, has transformed from a ritual practice within a funeral ceremony (Rambu Solo’) to become a socially embedded gambling arena. The research used an exploratory qualitative design. Data were collected via in-depth, semi-structured interviews with the elders, minaa or ritual leaders, religious leaders, the owners of fighting buffalos, local youth, and local government. Findings show that ritual commodification, moral rationalisation, and communal conformity have enabled betting practices to gain social legitimacy without significant normative conflict. Buffalo fighting exemplifies culturally embedded gambling where sacred symbolism and a competitive market logic coexist via continuous social negotiation.20262026-07-15 08:24:16Članek v reviji184776UDK: 393:794.9(594)ISSN pri članku: 0040-3598DOI: 10.51936/tip.63.2.349COBISS_ID: 284790019slIndonezija;