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The Minangkabau ethnic group is indigenous to the highlands of West Sumatra, in Indonesia. Today 4 million Minangs live in West Sumatra, while about 3 million more are scattered throughout many Indonesian cities and towns. The Minangs are the world's largest matrilineal society, in which properties such as land and houses are inherited through female lineage, while religious and political affairs are the province of men (although some women also play important roles in these areas).

The Minangkabau are strongly Islamic, but also follow their ethnic traditions, or adat. The Minangkabau adat was derived from animistic and Hindu beliefs before the arrival of Islam, and remnants of animistic beliefs still exist even among some practicing Muslims. The present relationship between the Islam and adat is described in the saying "tradition founded upon Islamic law, Islamic law founded upon the Qur'an" ("adat basandi syara', syara' basandi Kitabullah").

In addition to being renowned as merchants, the Minangs have also produced some of Indonesia's most influential poets, writers, statesmen, scholars, and religious scholars. Being fervent Muslims, many of them embraced the idea of incorporating Islamic ideals into modern society. Furthermore, the presence of these intellectuals combined with the people's basically proud character, made the Minangkabau homeland (the province of West Sumatra) one of the powerhouses in the Indonesian struggle for independence. Rumah gadang, the traditional homes of the Minangkabau, have striking sweeping rooflines and intriciate carved walls. (Read More...)