The Influence of Perpatih Custom on the Design of Traditional Malay Houses in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

Abstract

The migration of the community of Minangkabau to Tanah Melayu had brought with them several influences into the local community such as culture and architecture. A significant cultural essence that had influenced the community in Negeri Sembilan is Pepatih Custom which is still practiced by the community nowadays. It plays various roles in the people’s lives including unity, family units according to the “suku”, marriages, deaths and how to inherit land and houses. In designing the traditional Malay houses in Negeri Sembilan, the family activities, as well as the community as a whole are thoroughly considered. A house is not perceived only as a place to stay but also a gathering place for other occasions such as weddings, funerals and deaths. The private and public areas are separated harmoniously from the aspects of architecture and religion. The strength of the design of the traditional Malay houses is also frequently depicted in verses and proverbs in the system of Pepatih Custom that relates to “kuat rumah kerana sendi rosak sendi rumah binasa” which means the community has to stand together in whatever situation and if they do not they will be weak and chaotic. Just like the role of “sendi” or joints of a house, they have to be designed perfectly because if the joints are loosely built the whole structure of the house would collapse.

Keywords: Minangkabau, Perpatih Custom, traditional malay house, Negeri Sembilan