Mandailing Traditional Architecture

Mandailing traditional architecture as a product of high culture and enriched by symbols like the other traditional building in Indonesia. Product of Mandailing traditional architecture consist of Bagas Godang and Sopo Godang which are equipped with Sopo Eme or Hopuk. These building spread in Penyabungan District, Kotanopan and Muara Sipongi. These traditional building are the inheritance of kingdoms from Lubis and Nasution clan in Mandailing.

Bagas Godang is also called village bagas and this is house for the huta’s king or tunggane ni huta or King Panusunan as the leader,  huta’s regulator,  upholder and as the village guardian. Bagas Godang as a main village building in a huta and a clan symbolizes bono bulu which means a custom unity with namoranotoras (honorable leaders), kahanggi (family in same clan), anak boru (family for son-or daughter-in-law), datu, si baso, ulu baling, artist and king Pamusuk as king of the village.
                                                   

Bagas Godang also has a function as a place for gathering or meeting and as a place of protection for each member of the society who has disturbance from other huta. Closed by Bagas Godang, a Sopo Godang which is used as museum for art instruments like gordang sambilan. Ogung is a place for discussing and conference, place to decide customary, place for visitors and tortoar as stage for art performance.

Bagas Godang and Sopo Godang are also equipped with Sopo Eme or Hopuk whose their function as rice barn. Sopo Eme and hopuk have a meaning of social prosperity and each member of society who doesn’t have enough food, they could ask help to the king.

In front of Bagas Godang, there is wide flat ground as the yard of Bagas Godang or Alaman Bolak Selangseutang. This yard is a place for traditional ceremony and protection from outside disturbance. Every member who takes cover at Alaman Bolak could not be disturbed, hurted, or hit because that person has been under protection of the king. The King will bring the justice by discussing with the honorable leaders. Today, this yard also becomes a place for art performance gordang sambilan, monortor, martial art training and other Islamic occasions.

The other facility in a huta is Pancur Paridian or tapian mandi. A hut in rice field called Sopo Saba, and in garden called Sopo Ladang. The king graves are protected by a building called Bale.

By : Cut Nuraini : Fakultas Teknik Sipil & Perencanaan Jurusan Teknik Arsitektur dan Jurusan Perencanaan Wilayah dan Kota, Institut Teknologi Medan (ITM).