Culture of Minang - West Sumatra

Traditional house of West Sumatra


Rumah gadang (big house) are the traditional house of the Minangkabau- West Sumatra. The architecture, construction, internal and external decoration, and the functions of the house reflect the culture and values of the Minangkabau. A rumah gadang serves as a residence, a hall for family meetings, and for ceremonial activities.

Girls in traditional costume



Women of the Minangkabau, a traditionally matrialchal, wear their wealth and influence on their hedress. Heavy and often elaborately crafted, the bridal costumes glitter with real or plated gold, produces mostly in Kota Gadang, the center for fine silver and gold filigree and hand embroidery.

Minangkabau Weavers



Young Minangkabau girls spend time weaving ceremonial costumes. As a cottage industry, richly woven cloth have become one of best souvenir items from West Sumatra

Traditional Costume of West Sumatra


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Buffalo Fighter (Koto Baru)

An event held every Tuesday and Saturday by the people of the village of Kota Leweh and Koto Baru located near the town of Bukit Tinggi .

This event , a popular past time of the people , has remained popular through the years and is still held often.

The purpose of this event is to help develop cattle breeding. Two bulls are pitted against each other, and when one of them runs off, it has lost the flight.

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Culture of West Sumatra

• Whild Hog Hunt ( 50 Kota Regency and Agam Regency)

Hunt for wild hogs in the forests of West Sumatera using dogs for tracking . A sport of the village people in the neighbouring area. The hogs are hunted every Sunday, in Agam Regency and every Tuesday in Limapuluh Kota as they destroy farm lands.

• Minang Traditional Performances

Performances of traditional Minang are staged at 08.00 pm. Daily and at the end of the show , the audience are welcome to participate.

• Bird Watching

A jeep from the gate to the Way Kanan Concervation area at dawn to take a quiet look at the birds and other wild animals , and stay the night at lodgings within the area.

• Pacu Itik

In this traditional duck race , there are 10 ducks at each round. The winner is the first to reach the finish line.

• Randai ( Every Sunday )

Folk dances and theatre .

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