Overseas topics Available to Purchase

Under the matrimonial system found in Minangkabau, West Sumatra, when a baby boy is born he is given a name eg Kasim. When he grows up and marries, he is given an after‐marriage name termed a Sutan Mudo. (Sutan = Sultan and Mudo = Young). This new name indicates that he is now an adult. His in‐laws use only his after‐marriage name, whilst the older relatives on his mother's side can still use his first name. After‐marriage names also indicate the position in the clan eg the name of an expert in religion usually begins with Tuangku. A leader is known as Datuak. If say a Sutan is appointed as a leader, following the death of such a person, he will henceforth be called Datuak. The Minangkabaus sum it up by saying Keteck Hanamo, Gadang Bagala — children have names, adults have titles.