The importance of endangered endemic plants cannot be better described or presented than by mentioning how they contribute to local rituals. From simple plants to giant trees, indigenous peoples have used natural resources to create crafted artefacts, artworks and more. Some specimens are preserved in the museum of the Center for Research in Natural Sciences of Lwiro in South Kivu, DR Congo.
Ficus to traditional loinclothFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
From Ficus to traditional loincloth
The Ficus of the mountains has often been used to manufacture traditional clothes. They also have a sacred function. In the territory of Kalehe, the traditional leaders of the Kamirogosa dynasty are buried according to Havu rites in the trunk of the Ficus glumosa on the island of Ishovu.
The Nkomango, a traditional wooden hammer in KivuFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Hammer to soften the ficus
Wooden instruments such as these hammers were often used to soften the bark of the Ficus in order to make traditional clothes. Their weight contributed to the quality of the final product.
royal slippers to rest the queen's feetFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
From Royal Sandals to Erytrina absissinica
Thanks to its flexibility and resistance to insects, the wood of Erythrina abyssinica (Cigohwa in Mashi and Rega) has been widely used for the creation of ritual art such as vases or plates. These were sandals worn by the Queen.
Tenue des danseurs traditionnelsFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Raphia sese and the Kimbilikiti rite
From the traditional Rega attire for the Kimbilikiti initiation rite to Christian ceremonies, the leaves of palm trees such as Raphia sese and Phoenix reclinata are still used nowadays.
traditional stick in the circumcision rite, Kimbiligiti, at RegaFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Initiation art and rite
The Rega use a staff carved from the tree called Ndongi as the central symbol in the "Kimbilikiti" initiation rite. The young initiate emerges from the bush carrying an Ndongi stick sculpted in the form of a penis to symbolize maturity and the passage to adulthood.
Kivu Ethnobotanical Garden - Tree Landscapes and RitesFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Wooden art as currency
Wooden art objects were used in traditional ceremonies as currency. For example these raffia bracelets were part of a young woman's dowry.
Dried seeds of wild banana tree (Ensete Ventricosum)Fondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
The dried seeds of the wild banana tree (Ensete ventricosum) were used as currency during wedding ceremonies among the Rega and Twa in Mountainous Kivu. In modern times, such practices and knowledge are rapidly disappearing.
Wood as a fishing toolFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Traditional fishing basket
Traps made from wild palms illustrate sustainable fishing methods. With these simple baskets, the natives took only the quantities necessary for their subsistence. It is art at the service of sustainable resource management.
The tree in traditional fishingFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
A special basket
This basket was carved especially for transporting domesticated poultry (hens). Thanks to the ingenious shape of the basket, the villagers could travel long distances without causing harm to birds or getting tired quickly.
BasketryFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Basketry
Many tree stems and leaves have long been used to weave vans (type of flat woven baskets) in mountainous Kivu. This object is inseparable from the harvest period of beans and cereals. Also, it is often on the van that the dowry is received during traditional wedding ceremonies.
Wild Date Palm also known as Phoenix reclinata (Bucindo en Tembo)Fondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Wooden arts and traditions
Like Raphia sese, the leaves and stems of Phoenix reclinata ("Bucindo" in Tembo) are used to make carpets, mats, and traditional baskets. Christians use its palms to celebrate Palm Sunday.
The Kabehe or traditional cup among the Shi and HavuFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Traditional vases and plates
Art is omnipresent, even in culinary rites. Traditional plates and vases used in rites or ceremonies are true cultural symbols. From Markhamia lutea two wooden vessels for treating and storing water.
Traditional wooden vaseFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Wooden vases, cultural symbol
Many art objects such as vases have an important cultural significance. Their uses are also the basis for the conservation of certain threatened arboreal species. Erythrina abyssinica provided many works that are still valued in rural areas.
traditional chief's power stickFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
The royal baton
Specific wooden batons symbolized authority and power. In addition, they were often carved from special tree species, many of which have become rare.
Old carpet at CRSN LWUIRO in the Documentation DepartmentFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Symbolism of the tree in construction
Some endangered species such as Libuyu (Entandrophragma excelsum), Muvula (Milicia excelsa) and Raphia were formerly overexploited in the construction of true masterpieces during colonization. Today, they deserve to be preserved.
Colonial chair in Libuyu wood (Entandrophragma excelsum) and horsehideFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Wooden art, a symbol of colonial power?
Two chairs dating from the colonial period still solid embody the symbol of colonial power. The quality of the wood of the species from which they were made: Entandrophragma excelsum and Milicia excelsa is well appreciated and deserves to be valued.
Wooden art, biodiversity conservationFondation Jardin Ethnobotanique Kivu
Wooden art, biodiversity conservation
Various wooden art objects are still preserved and valued. They are still used in various traditional rites and ceremonies such as fishing, hunting, medicine. Through their socio-cultural value, they embody a rich traditional knowledge of biodiversity.
Marie Chakupewa, Akonkwa Ntibonera, Bernard Lwantamba, Ciriza Babone
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