Minang building model

Southeast Asian Collection

Accession Nr.: 53.198.1-2
Type: metalwork; model
Date of production:
late 19th − early 20th century
Place of production:
Materials/Techniques: brass, cast, engraved, openwork
Dimensions: height: 21. 5 cm
This building of three-tiered roof is part of the Minangkabau village model. The Minangkabau are 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. One of the features of their architecture is the roof peak or (in the case of larger houses) peaks, which in their form refer to the buffalo (horns), an indispensable accessory of Minang community life.