Buffaloes with their many fuctions are thus valued as wealth and power. The cost of buffalo varies in accordance with its size, spots, type of horn and shape of hump. For the common black buffalo, the price ranges from Rp. One of the most expensive buffaloes is spotted buffalo, the cost of which may range from Rp. One spotted buffalo may be exchange for 10 or 15 black buffaloes.
Castrated buffaloes are also expensive because it is slaughtered only at high class ceremony.
All these buffaloes are available at the animal market in Rantepao. It is important to note that the buffalo is also used as a price index. If one wants to buy a price of land the cost is counterd in buffaloes. The penalty paid by the mariage partner who is responsible for dissolving the marriage bond is counted in buffalo as well. In addition to the funeral ritual, buffaloes may be sacrificed at other rituals such as a new house construction ceremonies and harvest ceremonies but not for marriage ceremonies.