Minangkabau

The Minangs are the world's largest matrilineal society, in which properties and belongings are inherited through the female, or mother's lineage. The males of this society traditionally leave home as early as the age of 7, to learn religious and cultural teachings. When they are teenagers, they often leave their hometowns so that they can experience the world, learn trades and abilities, and then return home to be "useful" members of society.
This is quite different then a lot of cultures we see today. India, for instance, cherishes and values their male offspring so much more than female, that frequently female offspring are either aborted or abandoned. Patrilineal societies make up the majority of the world's population, so one is left to wonder how the Minangs differ, how this cultural phenomenon occured, and what are the differences and similarities between these Indonesian people and their customs, and the rest of the world.
The men still handle religious and political affairs, and the Minangs are mainly Muslims, but aslo have traces anamtism that even the most devout adhere to and believe in. Rich in culture, these people value education and knowledge highly. Many Minangs occupy the majority of the educated positions in Sumatra, as well as holding high political offices as ministers and advisors.