Handcrafted Creations

The age-old crafts of weaving and basket making persist as traditional arts, employed to craft containers for the preservation of food and medicines. Referred to as peace pots, these items carry deep cultural significance, serving as symbols for commemorating weddings or extending a warm welcome.

In Rwanda, pottery stands as one of the most ancient artistic expressions, with towns preserving this heritage through the continued use of traditional Batwa techniques. Renowned for the high quality of clay, these pottery creations endure as essential vessels for cooking and storing liquids.

Amasunzu

Amasunzu, a traditional Rwandan hairdo, was historically embraced by both men and women. This distinctive style involves cutting the hair sideways and braiding the top, symbolizing qualities such as power, nobility, prestige, and bravery. The resurgence of the Amasunzu hairstyle occurred in 2018 when Lupita Nyong’o showcased it on the Oscar red carpet. To delve deeper into Rwanda’s cultural heritage, explore the King’s Palace and the Ethnographic Museum.

Intore Dancing

The Intore Dance Troupes showcase Rwanda’s vibrant traditional music and dance styles with unparalleled excellence. Originating centuries ago, the Intore, also known as “The Chosen Ones,” were initially exclusive performers for the Royal Court. They underwent military training and learned the distinctive jumping technique that is an integral part of their dance. Adorned in grass wigs and wielding spears, this dance is a captivating representation of Rwandan culture.

You can experience live dance performances at cultural villages, museums, lodges, and hotels throughout Rwanda. Notable venues include the Gorilla Guardians village in Musanze and the National Museum of Rwanda, where regular performances take place.

Imigongo

An unmistakable Rwandan art form is Imigongo, which involves creating paintings using cow dung. These distinctive pieces are crafted by a local cooperative situated in the village of Nyakarambi, near the Tanzanian border. Featuring predominantly black, brown, and white swirls, along with various geometric shapes, these one-of-a-kind and rustic artworks are available for purchase in craft markets across the nation.

Umuganda

Translated from Kinyarwanda as “uniting for a common purpose to achieve a goal,” Umuganda is a collective effort where people from diverse backgrounds in Rwanda come together to contribute to the well-being of their neighborhoods and the entire nation. On the last Saturday of each month, businesses close, buses cease operations, and traffic vanishes as Rwandans dedicate their morning to engage in communal projects across the country. These projects encompass various activities such as cleaning up litter, planting trees, constructing homes for the vulnerable, and more. The evident cleanliness of Rwanda, often noted as the cleanest country in Africa, is a testament to the social and economic advantages of Umuganda. Regardless of specific skills, all visitors are warmly encouraged to participate, as the diverse array of projects ensures there is something to match everyone’s interests.