Rwanda is the African continent’s 4th smallest country. Located in East Africa, the country is renowned for its natural beauty and gorilla tracking, but don’t be deceived, the country is also home to a proud African culture that adds depth to Rwanda's appeal to tourists. Most people hone in on the atrocities of the 1994 genocide, but almost 30 years since this sobering tragedy, the Rwandan people have forged a new and united identity that focuses on national unity rather than tribal differences. Visiting the country is a chance to delve into the unique Rwanda culture - its ancient customs, deep-seated traditions, and new societal practices. Beneath the warm smiles and easygoing nature of the Rwanda people, is a fascinating culture that blends the best of the past and present.
This blog post will explore three gems of Rwanda culture to help deepen your understanding of this tiny East African safari destination, the Amasunzu hairstyle, Imigongo art, and the country's enforced practice of Umuganda.
Amasunzu, is a traditional Rwandan hairstyle. Historically, Amasunzu signalled marital availability for both men and single women. Hair, often cut and styled into crescent-shaped waves and radical curves, was born from diagonal hair chopping, resulting in captivating patterns resembling circles within circles or walls within walls. With over thirty variations, Amasunzu not only represented social roles and status in Rwanda culture but also conveyed attributes like strength, bravery, and nobility, particularly for men.
This hairstyle, known as Amasunzu, transcended mere fashion to embody Rwandan identity and etiquette and expressed qualities like strength, cleanliness, and even class distinctions. Traditionally, Amasunzu graced the heads of leaders, nobles, and the affluent, and held a profound significance in Rwandan culture. The hairstyle was an important part of status and fashion in pre-colonial times but was largely forgotten until recently.
Today, Amasunzu is experiencing a renaissance as a tribute to a bygone cultural identity, championed by those committed to reviving Rwandan heritage. The recognition of Amasunzu's cultural importance reached a global stage in 2017 when actress Lupita Nyong'o, the Black Panther star, showcased it at the 90th Academy Awards. Her choice resonated deeply with Rwandans, serving as a profound tribute to Rwanda's culture. This centuries-old tradition transcends its role as a hairstyle; it stands as a living testament to resilience and heritage, commemorating the enduring spirit of a nation.
Imigongo Art is a traditional form of Rwandan art that uses cow dung. Yes, cow dung. Imigongo is historically crafted by women using cow dung in striking colours such as black, white, and red. The art features intricate spiral and geometric patterns adorning various surfaces like walls, pottery, and canvases.
To create these images, cow dung is mixed with ash to eliminate bacteria and odor and applied to wooden boards, in the same way that we might use plaster for texture. Once the cow dung has been set, Imigongo artists apply paint with organic colours, made from kaolin, charcoal, banana peel ash, ochre, and other materials. While traditional shades include black, white, red, grey, and beige-yellow, contemporary variations introduce additional hues. This Rwandan art form is now used for decorating various items, including pottery, canvas, and clothing in a style that uses pattern and colour to create unique and vibrant designs in intricate geometric shapes.
Imigongo art dates back to the 18th century, in the administrative capital of Kibungo. The genesis of Imigongo art is often attributed to Prince Kakira of Gisaka Kingdom in Nyarubuye, and according to Rwandan folklore, Imigongo art began as a decoration for cow dung floors in houses in the country's traditional homes. Over time, the Imigongo art form has evolved, and today, Rwandans mostly use bright colours like red, yellow, and green to create striking geometric and abstract designs.
During the 1994 genocide, many of the skills and techniques used to make the Imigongo were nearly wiped out. Fortunately, a women's cooperative in the Eastern Province near Kirehe has revitalized this traditional art form unique to Rwanda culture, adding modern, innovative elements that reflect the country's landscape, flora, fauna, and people. Today, the art form is part of the Rwandan cultural revival and tourists can visit cooperatives, pottery workshops, and studios in Kigali and beyond, to observe the artists as they work their magic.
What Rwanda has achieved since the 1994 genocide is remarkable in Africa, and throughout the world. Through a collective will, Rwanda stands as a beacon of hope in terms of societal re-imagining as well as creating a culture of care that is inclusive, and more importantly, a source of pride for all Rwandans. Some of Rwanda’s achievements include strict action against plastic pollution, gender equality, gorilla conservation, and eco-tourism.
In Rwanda today, 64% of government positions are filled by women. In 2008, Rwanda implemented a nationwide ban on non-biodegradable plastic bags, and in 2019 Rwanda became the first African nation to enforce a complete prohibition on all single-use plastics. Rwanda is well-known for its successful conservation efforts, protecting endangered species such as the mountain gorillas, and eco-tourism creates essential revenue streams for the country, with initiatives like the gorilla tracking not only supporting conservation but directly improving the lives of communities that surround the national parks. Every year, the Kwita Izina gorilla naming festival draws on Rwandan tradition to celebrate their conservation success stories. While all of these achievements contribute to Rwanda’s reputation, it is the monthly practice of Umuganda that stands out as the Rwandan cultural practice with the most profound impact.
Every month, Rwandans take part in a nationwide community service known as Umuganda. In the 1970s, Umuganda was used to describe forced labour, but the term has been intentionally repurposed in modern Rwandan society. President Paul Kagame instituted the policy as part of Rwanda’s nation-building project after the 1994 genocide as "umunsi w’umuganda" or "contribution made by the community". On the final Saturday of every month, Rwandans participate in community projects from picking up rubbish to planting trees, and even public road works.
The result of this culture of care is the tremendous pride that Rwandans feel for their country, and for tourists, the notable cleanliness of the Rwandan landscape.
While most people visit Rwanda for the exceptional chimpanzee and gorilla tracking in their lush mountainous habitats, a Rwanda safari offers a unique blend of history, African culture, and natural beauty. Getting to know Rwanda is about coming to terms with its history, interacting with its people, and seeing what is possible when a country strives for unity. Amasunzu, Imigongo, and Umuganda are individual pieces of a much broader landscape of Rwandan culture waiting to be discovered.
If you want to know more about Rwanda, you can read our free Rwanda safari guide, check out our budget Rwanda safaris, or talk to one of our experienced travel consultants to start planning your East African safari of a lifetime.
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