Traditional houses and settlements in the Minangkabau heartland

Abstract

Some traditional Minangkabau settlements are still found in West Sumatra. In contrast to other places, traditional settlement patterns and customs have continued there. The author's research shows that in the past settlement patterns were based on cosmological ideas that focused on a mountain, Mount Marapi. The influence of new beliefs and experiences, though, has gradually changed this practice. This chapter describes some of these traditional settlements, especially those of the village ( nagari ) of Pariangan Padang Panjang, located on a plateau near the Bengkaweh River on the slope of Mount Marapi, a place the Minangkabau consider to be their original home. These houses, which are the property of a sub-lineage, are called rumah gadang , or large houses, referring not only to their physical size, but also to the significance of ritual activities for which they are used. Doors and windows are located at the front long side of these houses. Keywords: Mount Marapi; ritual activities; rumah gadang ; traditional houses; traditional Minangkabau settlements; west Sumatra