Author(s)

AZIZI BAHAUDDIN, SETIAWAN HARDONO, ALDRIN ABDULLAH & NOR ZARIFAH MALIKI

Abstract

The grandeur of the Minangkabau house in Western Sumatera, Indonesia, can be observed in its multi-tiered curved roof structure with upswept gables to mimic the horn of the buffalo. Associated with the Minangkabau people, the strong cultural infl uence of the people is further reflected in the internal layout of the house and other demonstrations of architectural elements that are echoing nature. 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. This paper further analyses the family system in relation to this architecture. The research aims to analyse the matrilineal infl uence on the architecture and its sustainable and cultural issues. The methods employed include the ethnography and phenomenology processes supported by field research in villages in Western Sumatera. Ultimately, the Minangkabau traditional architecture represents a house that visualises the dwellers’ matrilineal culture.

Keywords

Matriarch, matrilineal system, minangkabau house, sustainable