Menhir Maek Site: Evidence of Ancient Minangkabau Civilisation

Governor of West Sumatra (Sumbar), Mahyeldi Ansharullah, inspected the Menhir Bawah Parit site in Jorong Kototinggi, Nagari Maek, Bukit Barisan District, Limapuluh Kota Regency, on Thursday (28 May). The visit was made to support the preservation of the historical site and to strengthen the civilisation and cultural values of the Minangkabau people dating back thousands of years.

The Menhir Bawah Parit site is the largest menhir complex in the Mahat area, spanning approximately 6,000 square metres. Around 370 menhirs of varying sizes are present at the location. Some stand upright, while others have fallen, oriented southeast towards Mount Sago.

Additionally, five decorated menhirs with motifs such as tumpal, young bamboo shoots, kaluak paku, geometric patterns, and siriah gadang were found, showcasing the rich cultural symbols of past societies.

During the visit, Mahyeldi referred to Nagari Maek as the ‘Land of a Thousand Menhirs,’ which has the largest concentration of menhirs in West Sumatra. ‘We are here in Nagari Maek because it is the Land of a Thousand Menhirs. Such clustered menhirs exist only in Nagari Maek, Limapuluh Kota Regency,’ Mahyeldi said.

He stated that the presence of menhirs is evidence that the Maek community had developed culture and civilisation thousands of years before the Common Era. ‘This proves that the Maek community had a culture thousands of years before the Common Era. They lived in communities, had burial grounds, and carved designs on menhirs indicating civilisation,’ he said.

Mahyeldi emphasised that the Maek menhir site is an important historical heritage that requires ongoing scientific research to uncover its historical and cultural significance. He also noted international interest in the site, including from Malaysian figure Rais Yatim, whom he met recently. ‘I came here after meeting Rais Yatim from Malaysia. He was very interested because the inscriptions and carvings on the menhirs must be read and studied in greater depth,’ he added.

Mahyeldi revealed that Australian researchers are scheduled to visit in October for further study. Therefore, the West Sumatra Provincial Government is encouraging collaboration among experts from various countries to uncover the historical and cultural value of the Maek menhir area. ‘Hopefully, this presents an opportunity for us to make progress in preserving this historically rich cultural site,’ he concluded.