The land of the Minangkabau
West Sumatra is one of the most beautiful areas of Indonesia. It is mountainous and divided by three valleys. There are lovely lakes and spectacular volcanoes. But the land of the Minangkabau is very special and has the most friendly population group of Indonesia. They love to talk with visitors and will tell you about their unique society.
If a visitor tries to understand the culture and traditions of the Minang he will soon feel himself a member of the clan. He will be invited as a guest to their homes – a unique way to become acquainted with real Indonesian life.
The Culture – Weaving
The rich gold and silver brocade of Minangkabau cloth plays an important rôle in the ceremonies of birth, circumcision, marriage and death. This iridescent and intricately designed textile forms the material expression of the Minang adat. A traditional saying is “The fabric is the skin of the adat “. Women weave this expensive cloth on a background of silk or cotton, applying an embossed pattern of silver or gold thread, a technique called Songket. The finest threads are traditionally made from paper with a thin layer of gold or silver. Since 1900 the ceremonial cloths have been woven in only four villages: Kota Badang, Padangpanjang, Payakumbuh and Silungkang and the famous Kain Balapak, the most exclusive ceremonial brocade, only in Pandai Sikat. Pandai Sikat lies12 km. south of Bukittingi, and is also famous for its wood carving.
Payakumbuh is My Hometown
Payakumbuh is a city north-east of Bukittinggi (West Sumatra), Indonesia. It has an area of 80.43 km² and a population of over 99,300 people. Literally translated, the city name means “grassy swamp”.
Payakumbuh is known for flying duck races and foods like gelamai, a sweet coconut palm sugared snack. Transport options within the city include bendi, a form of horse-cart. Payakumbuh produces a wide range of agriculture products including rice, milk, cattle and palm sugar.
a. Harau Valley b. Lembah Anai
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