Minang rice barn (Indonesian: rankiang) model

Southeast Asian Collection

Accession Nr.: 67.73.1-2
Type: metalwork; model
Date of production:
early 20th century
Place of production:
Materials/Techniques: brass, cast, openwork, chiselled
Dimensions: height: 26 cm
width: 7 cm
depth: 10. 5 cm
This brass model of a Minang (Sumatran) house is part of the Minangkabau village model. Its crests refer to the horns of the buffalo, an animal of fundamental importance in minang culture. With its roof ridge and openwork side walls, it represents a typical Minangkabau building type. From the Collection of Ernő Zboray.

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.