The matrilineal system of the Minangkabau and its persistence throughout history: a structural perspective

The matrilineal society of the Minangkabau has fascinated numerous researchers from around the
world. The co-existence of a matrilineal family structure and system of inheritance on one side
and an Islamic way of life on the other side has intrigued these researchers. However most of the
research has been descriptive or focused on a special element of the Minangkabau way of life.
Two outstanding researchers namely Taufik Abdullah and Frederick Errington tried to offer
theoretical approaches, and this paper will examine these approaches. Moreover it will also
attempt to look at the historical developments from a structural point of view. It will be argued
that the historical development and its structural analysis will help to understand the society in
West Sumatra. Such a structural perspective could also be useful for the research of other
societies in order to understand the inherent elements of a specific culture.