Rumah Gadang - Unique Traditional House of Minangkabau

There are vacation plans to the city of Padang in Indonesia? Don't forget to hunt for the uniqueness of the Rumah Gadang!

In addition to being a residence for the Minangkabau community, Rumah Gadang is able to draw the attention of tourists, not only from within the country, but also from abroad. Most of them are interested in looking at beautiful building architecture with a variety of carvings on the walls.

Rectangular without symmetry, Rumah Gadang has a unique building design. Impressed swooping up, the outside of the building slightly tilted outwards. This is strongly influenced by natural conditions in the Minangkabau region which are dominated by high and low altitude so that it is earthquake resistant.

The roof is no less unique. Having a curved shape like a horn, Rumah Gadang comes with several pointed and pointed roof angles. This design is intended so that when it rains, water can flow directly down so it does not overload the building.


But of all the architectural concepts, perhaps the height of the building that attracts the most attention. Made of wood, Rumah Gadang stands two meters above the ground supported by a pillar resting on a flat rock that is strong and wide.

Besides Godang House, Rumah Gadang is also known as Bagonjong House by the local community. Another nickname that is Baanjuang House is also often heard for Rumah Gadang. So, all of this is the same name to refer to the traditional Minangkabau traditional house in West Sumatra.

The Gadang House was first built during the reign of Datuak Parapatiah in the second century. There are many versions of stories that affect the architecture of Rumah Gadang itself.

One of them is a buffalo reservoir version. According to stories circulating in the Minangkabau community, the form of gojong (the taper on the roof) of the Gadang House is a symbol of the victory of the Minangkabau people who successfully won a buffalo competition with a king in Java.

The victory is very meaningful for them. So, in order to preserve it, the residents built houses with buffalo horn-shaped gojong symbol of glory at that time.

However, there are those who believe that the Rumah Gadang has a shape like a ship. Long ago, a ship named "Lancang" crossed the Kampar river. Arriving at the estuary, the ship was lifted to the surface.

In order not to be easily damaged, the ship is given a roof by the owner by using a sail pole tied with rope. Because it is too heavy, the pole has a curve that resembles a gojong. Thus, the ship became a stilt house that was comfortable enough to live in.

Seen up close, the Gadang House is full of carved ornaments with various motifs, such as roots, flowers, leaves, and rectangular areas so that the circular patterns are joined together. This ornament is usually carved from a vertical board and coated with bamboo slits. The result is a magnificent architecture that has many meanings, functions, and also traditional beauty that is second to none.

That was a traditional house of West Sumatra. Or commonly called the gadang house. very unique, is'nt it?

So, if you are on vacation in Indonesia, don't forget to visit

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