 Rumah gadang (Minangkabau language: “big house”) are the traditional
homes (Indonesian: “rumah adat”) of the Minangkabau. 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. With the Minangkabau society being matrilineal, the rumah
gadang is owned by the women of the family who live there – ownership is
passed from mother to daughter.
The houses have dramatic curved roof structure with multi-tiered,
upswept gables. Shuttered windows are built into walls incised with
profuse painted floral carvings. The term rumah gadang usually refers to
the larger communal homes, however, smaller single residences share
many of its architectural elements.
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