Kerbau or
water buffalo is an important domesticated animal in Minangkabau culture. It can be employed to work the paddy fields in
rice agriculture as well as provides milk and meat. The importance of buffalo as cultural symbol is also can be found in other
Indonesian traditions, such as
Torajan culture. Buffalo, especially its
horns are important cultural symbol in Minangkabau culture. The roofline of traditional houses in West Sumatra, called
Rumah Gadang (
Minangkabau, "big house"), curves upward from the middle and end in points, in imitation of the water buffalo's upward-curving horns. The fabrics of Minangkabau women's headdresses are also folded and formed to imitate the buffalo's horn. == Historical record ==