The Art of Decorating Houses in Rwanda
Get to know the history of designing and decorating Rwandan houses.
Untitled (9) by Guy Karangwa (Kigali 1952-1999)Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Varied forms of art serve as tangible expressions of a society's cultural identity, social norms, historical heritage, and beliefs. In the realm of house decoration in Rwanda, regional distinctions manifest distinctly in the choice of materials, interior layouts, & decoration.
Learn about the various ways that traditional Rwandan houses are designed and decorated below:
Fireplace (2)Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Architectural elements of sculpted earth: The fireplace
Clay was a versatile material used to construct various house elements, including thresholds, hearths, partitions, pillars, and shelves for milk pots. In Migongo, the fireplace served as a decorative centerpiece and a practical source of warmth.
House Threshold
The thresholds were used to decorate the exterior front of the main house.
Partitions
The partitions insika were used to separate different pieces of the house and to decorate milk shelves.
The bold, geometric Imigongo art
Rwandan house decoration showcases a remarkable process that transforms cow dung, vegetable ash, and natural dyes into vibrant artwork. The traditional color palette features black, white, and red, while popular motifs include spiral and geometric patterns.
What to know about Imigongo art
This practice was invented in the late 18th or early 19th century by Prince Kakira, the son of King Kimenyi of Gisaka in the eastern Kibungo.
It was previously confined to the interior walls of the houses, now it appears on portable mediums eg. canvas, panels, and wooden pots.
Imigongo artwork (6) by Bakundese MoniqueRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Making Imigongo art popular
Prince Kakira, renowned for his meticulous cleanliness and appreciation for aesthetics, actively promoted this craft among the daughters of noble families. These young women, in turn, passed on their knowledge to other well-to-do girls, ensuring the skill spread through the Kingdom of Gisaka.
Imigongo artwork (2) by Bakundese MoniqueRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Imigongo art - part of Rwanda's intangible cultural heritage
Since the 18th century, the intricate technique of Imigongo has been meticulously passed down through generations of Rwandan artisans, ensuring its enduring presence as a national heritage.
Content development: Yvette Tuyishime & Chantal Umuhoza
Curatorial layout: Chantal Umuhoza
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