The Matriarch, the Matrilineal System, and the Minangkabau Rumah Gadang

Abstract

Some researchers argue that the term matriarchy is not a construct based on the gendered division of political power, but one based on gendered divisions in the sociocultural and cosmological orders. Yet one can argue that the Minangkabau culture is a construct of both arguments. Deeply rooted in cultural affinities, the Minangkabau people seem to be devoted to their cultural heritage of tangible and intangible attributes. Clearly governed by the custom of the matrilineal system and a matriarch that is perceived as the guardian of the well-being of the culture, the iconic rumah gadang literally translates as the ‘big house’ or rumah adat, a ceremonial house of Western Sumatera. Associated with the Minangkabau people, the strong cultural influence of the people is further reflected in the internal layout of the house and other demonstrations of architectural elements that find echoes in nature. The grandeur of the Minangkabau house of rumah gadang in this vicinity can be observed in its multi-tiered curved roof structure with upswept gables to mimic the horn of the buffalo. The house is owned by the women of the family who live there and is passed down from mother to daughter, enforcing the long observed matrilineal system. The house serves as a residence, a hall for family meetings, and for ceremonial activities. To analyse the matrilineal influence on the architecture, one must investigate the architecture in connection with its sustainable and cultural issues and examine the climatic conditions of such architecture and its links with the matrilineal authority and the people’s understanding of designing architecture. Many claim that this is a result of the influence of the matriarch, who governs the community along with her matrilineal line. It is a rationale for discussions on sustainable cultural and architectural influences. The issue requires further study of the family system in relation to this architecture with the aim of analysing the matrilineal influence based on ethnographical and phenomenological methods. The investigation is supported by field research in villages in Western Sumatera. Ultimately, the house exhibits conformity of the Minangkabau house with the unique matrilineal culture and this Minangkabau traditional architecture represents a house that visualises the dwellers’ matrilineal culture and the authority of the matriarch.