History Of Minangkabau

Once in the past Ranah Minangkabau kingdom under threat from a strong attack from the Java region. To avoid a physical battle that would consume a lot of casualties, the Minangkabau conduct diplomacy and proposed that the war was replaced with a water buffalo race. The proposal was approved by the king of Java, then dikirimlah great and mighty buffalo.

One afternoon in an area in Ranah Minang. Dozens of residents packed the arena. In the middle of the field, two buffaloes hefty line of sight. They will be pitted to set as the champion. That cursory buffalo race is the hereditary culture of the Minangkabau, West Sumatra. Cultural heritage that has lasted hundreds of years until now is still well guarded by the Minang community.

Once in the past Ranah Minangkabau kingdom under threat from a strong attack from the Java region. To avoid a physical battle that would consume a lot of casualties, the Minangkabau conduct diplomacy and proposed that the war was replaced with a water buffalo race. The proposal was approved by the king of Java, then dikirimlah great and mighty buffalo. Of Minangkabau prepared but a thirsty child water buffalo horns and mounted spurs.

Minangkabau tribe does have a very close linkage with four-legged animal called a buffalo. That, among others, looks at a variety of Minang cultural identity, such as the roof of their traditional houses (House Bogonjong). Custom homes are often also called the Tower House is shaped like buffalo horns. Similarly, in female clothing (shirt Tanduak Kabau).

Already hundreds of years old buffalo became one of the favorite animals in the province of West Sumatra. Body large and stout buffalo are considered capable of helping a wide range of human tasks. One of the ancient work is done with the assistance of the buffalo is to grind sugar cane. With simple tools, the buffalo was tied to bamboo sebilah connected to the traditional cane wringer. During eight hours of work, the buffalo constantly revolved around the wringer. Uniquely, so that the buffalo is not a headache, the animal's eyes closed with two coconut shells covered with cloth.

The juice of the sugarcane water buffalo that later became the forerunner of making the traditional red sugar. Brown sugar Minang society believes the hard work of the buffalo is more savory than the modern instrument.

When the fight begins, when the buffalo are still a small child was turned into a buffalo from Java, immediately butting an opponent who thought her mother's belly and buffalo from Java stabbed to death. King Java acknowledge this victory and finally mengurungi his intention to attack the Minangkabau. Since then the Minangkabau Minangkabau allegedly using the name which means Win In Game Buffalo as a cultural identity.


In terms of history, animals, water buffalo for a large tribe in West Sumatra has been delivering their triumph in the past. That said, long ago because the buffalo was the public assistance in West Sumatra win the war against the Javanese. Finally, until now they are calling themselves as a tribe of Minangkabau. "So the war did not end well, so we propose to contest any buffalo.

By the attackers sought the largest buffalo in the area are placed in the middle of the field. People here just buffalo suckling child. Because buffalo are already two days of not drinking milk, he ran after her mother's milk. So the big buffalo stomach was ripped and he ran away, "Datuk Bandaro Long story, traditional leaders.

The story of the buffalo was not only a mere legend. Until now, the cattle market in West Sumatra to sell any more buffalo than cattle. Minang people selling cattle system was quite unique. Unlike the traditional vegetable markets in the cattle market is not going to sound a word between the seller and buyer. Transactions that apply only using the hands. Fingers are used as calculation tools selling price of cattle to be purchased.

Solid body, stocky legs and a sharp eye. That is the hallmark of The Handcuffs, Kati's favorite buffalo Sutan, Ranah Minang farmers. For Kati Sutan, has a buffalo as handcuffs is like having a treasure and honor. Handcuffs are not just any buffalo. He was a buffalo complaints that had won five games. Because of the greatness of that, the animals then received his handcuffs, which means locking the opponent's strong.

Not only for mere hobby, pleasure Kati Sutan follow buffalo race is also to continue the tradition of Minangkabau culture. Toughness The handcuffs are already five times to win that game made famous in his village Sutan Kati. After only two years old, buffalo which have potential as complaints usually begin to be trained by their owners. This time, the handcuffs will be trained to prepare ahead of his physical strength. Candidates must match a rival body weight exercises Si handcuffs. Because if not balanced, the exercise will be useless to fight it.


Longest bull fighting exercises conducted for one hour. Once convinced of the power handcuffs, fighting exercise was stopped. Kati Sutan very confident will win back the buffalo. In the contest of strength buffalo buffalo not only a mainstay. Buffalo owners should also ask the spell of the shaman buffalo in order to win the game.

After the practice fight, Kati Sutan also asked a shaman spell buffalo to menjampi-Si handcuffs. Like the previous game, Kati Sutan ask for help Sutan Marajo, buffalo fights famous shaman in his village. The shaman brings a number of natural materials for making herbal mainstay for The Handcuffs.

Natural materials consisting of ginger, ginger, pepper and other natural foliage starts blended. Over a high heat, herbs roasted until it is charred. While Kati Sutan family was helped. Other materials for mixed herbs, such as duck eggs, lemon juice, drinks supplement and one bottle of dark beer also prepared.

After all the ingredients ready, Sutan Marajo began to recite mantras and burning incense. He prayed that the dijampinya buffalo could win the game. Incantations were mixed herbs. After that, the concoction is then placed in a leaf the next day will be given to The Cuff. Sutan Kati family was then preparing Handcuffs pitted the hero for the next day.

Game day arrived. Kati Sutan start getting ready. But before leaving the arena there are still a number of rituals that have to do the shaman, which is owned by The Handcuffs sharpen horns. Horn is one of the buffalo's body parts are the easiest to injure an opponent. Therefore should be made as sharp as possible. With a knife sharpening horns Sutan Marajo The Handcuffs. Now the buffalo have horns like a sharp sword.

The ritual was resumed. Like humans, Handcuffs should bathe first before progressing to the battle arena. While the body of water membalurkan Handcuffs, Sutan Marajo chanting incantations in order to champion Kati ajiannya this Sutan strong against the enemy. After the bath is completed, the shaman gave spell-jampinya potions made yesterday afternoon. Handcuffs without a fight and then eat the concoction was the shaman avidly. Not to forget the body was covered with mud-built Handcuffs and soot to make it look dashing. Now all preparations have been carried over. Handcuffs the hero can not wait to see the opponent counter.


That afternoon in the sun, handcuffs removed from the cage. Like a hero, proudly walking around the village handcuffs to the arena game. The location of the arena approximately seven kilometers from the village of Kati Sutan. But accompanied by the shaman Sutan Marajo, Handcuffs undaunted running. Even occasional, burly buffalo began to run as if impatient to meet the challenger.

Handcuffs finally arrived at the location of the match. Apparently the opponents have been waiting in the corner of the arena. Handcuffs are tough opponents coming from neighboring villages. In contrast to the handcuffs that had come five times a game, his opponent was about this time forward to the contest arena buffalo.

One by one the crowd began arriving to the arena. With a reasonably priced fare, the audience can choose the most convenient place around the arena. Initially performed buffalo fights to maintain the tradition of Minangkabau tribe. Unfortunately recent events buffalo fights actually used the audience to bet or gamble. Similarly, in a match handcuffs. And handcuffs who championed. Almost the entire audience to bet Handcuff the hero will win the game.

When the awaited arrived. Two buffalo complaints brought to the pitch. And without waiting for the cue again, the two buffaloes chasing each other directly. Not unexpectedly, Handcuffs who championed it scuttled to avoid the opponent. Adu buffalo this time was no longer running. In just a moment, Handcuffs surrendered and fled helter-skelter out of the arena.

The audience went home with great disappointment. Handcuffs the hero was not able to retain his title. Rona also disappointment on the faces Kati Sutan. Handcuffs whopping loss of honor for the family as Kati Sutan.

 (from History Of Minangkabau )