Minang building model

Southeast Asian Collection

Accession Nr.: 4740.1-2
Type: object for daily use; metalwork; model
Date of production:
19 – 20th century
Place of production:
Materials/Techniques: brass, cast, engraved, openwork
Dimensions: height: 29 cm
This two-storey, dismountable, brass minang (Sumatran) house model is part of a model of Minangkabau village. Decorated with peaks, in the directions the four cardinal points and the the centre as the fifth, referring to the horns of the buffalo, an animal of fundamental importance in Minang culture. Its roof ridge and openwork side walls represent a typical Minangkabau building type.

The Minangkabau is a Malay ethnic group living in Sumatra, where inheritance is matrilineal and, unlike other ethnic groups, it is usually the future husband who moves into the bride's house.