Why do Minangkabau roofs look like horns?
Yes, buffalo are important in Minangkabau traditions. In fact kabau means buffalo.
There is a story often told that a battle in 1409 between a kingdom centred in West Sumatra, Pagaruyung, and a Javanese Kingdom, Majapahit, was settled by a duel between buffalo. The Javanese had a powerful bull buffalo but the Minangkabau chose a buffalo calf, starved it for three days then attached sharp spikes to its head. When the animals met, the calf ran to the bull looking for milk and ripped open its abdomen from below thus winning the battle.
This story is thought to illustrate the Minangkabau resourcefulness and cunning that make them some of the most successful business owners in the country.
Buffalo are not, however, regarded as intelligent animals. In fact, it is said that if anyone were to leave Islam they would no longer be Minangkabau but have become kabau (buffalo).