The hoe (cangkul) has long been a traditional tool used by the Minangkabau people for farming. Its main components consist of an iron or steel blade and a sturdy wooden handle.
As a symbol of the diligence and perseverance of Minangkabau farmers, the hoe is used to cultivate rice fields and dry lands especially for clearing new plots, loosening soil, and preparing areas for planting rice and secondary crops. In addition, the cangkul is also used for digging foundation soil during the construction of Rumah Gadang (traditional Minangkabau houses).