Rwambonyingabo pot by Potters of Kingogo or BwishazaOriginal Source: Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Introduction
Pottery is an ancient craft that has thrived in Rwanda due to the adaptability of its practitioners. From bustling cities to tranquil villages, pottery serves a multitude of purposes in this land of a thousand hills.
Learn about the native process of Rwandan pottery below:
Potter's hand by Rwanda MuseumsRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
How to model clay
Clay is extracted, wrapped in banana leaves, taken home and placed in a special dug hole nearby. On the modeling day, the potter takes the quantity needed and adds degreasing elements by pounding it on a well cleaned floor.
The clay is then kneaded with hands and feet until it becomes completely smooth and even in texture.
Pot decorationOriginal Source: Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Traditionally, Rwandan potters used rollers to shape the various parts of a vessel. They would start by forming the base and body, followed by the shoulder, neck, and sides. Decoration was then applied to the still-wet surface using braided plant fiber.
Big pot- intango y'amaziOriginal Source: Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Pottery and daily life
Historically, traditional pottery served a primarily utilitarian purpose in Rwanda, providing utensils for cooking, storing, and transporting food. Some of these traditional vessels, like cooking pots and storage jars for sorghum or banana beer, remain in use today.
Pad (19)Original Source: Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Carrying the pot
In Rwanda, pots are typically carried on the head using a head cushion for stability. When empty, it is more practical to carry the pot horizontally. When crossing paths, those carrying empty pots yield to those carrying their pots vertically.
Beer pot (2)Original Source: Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Different pots and their uses
The shape and size of Rwandan pots are dictated by their intended use, and in many cases, the design of the pot's opening is a key determinant of its function. Narrow-mouthed pots are ideal for storing liquids, while open-mouthed pots are better suited for tasks like cooking etc.
Below is a range of different pots with different functions.
Imperezo
Imperezo, a small container with a narrow neck slightly different from other pots and shaped with great care. It is typically used for delivering alcoholic beverages such as banana beer or another alcoholic drink called Umuhama.
Urunywero
Urunywero, an exceptionally and carefully shaped pot. It is used for carrying beer to any person from whom a certain favor has been received or from whom it is expected.
Ikibindi
Ikibindi, is a medium sized and narrow necked container. It holds up to 25 litres of liquid and is used to carry or keep liquids.
Cooking pot
Cooking pot, Inkono iteka, an undecorated necked pot with a slightly wide opening that is used for cooking food.
Cooking pot - Icyungo
Icyungo, a medium sized pot that is used in the preparation of food especially umutsima and porridge.
Pot - Urwabya
Urwabya, is a small Rwandan container traditionally used for cooking meat. It can also be used for storing butter or collecting honey.
Ritual pots - Akabindi minwibiri
Minwibiri, a two mouthed pot that was commonly used by rainmakers abavubyi and during initiation rituals, kubandwa.
The pot that attaches to the belt
The belt pot, agacuma ko ku mweko, is an amulet filled small container that was fitted with a collar and a rope which was attached to a woman's belt. It was supposedly used to protect the wearer from any misfortune and for making the wearer more attractive.
Candle stick for divination
The sacred candlestick, known as igicuunga, is an integral tool in the divination process. It typically holds a blend of animal fat and a specific plant, which, when ignited, produces patterns that the diviner interprets based on the direction the mixture takes as it melts.
Pot for divination - Akagenzo
Akagenzo: a pot used to store saliva that would be sent to the soothsayer for divine consultation. It is also used to deliver beer to the spirits.
Fireplace (3)Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Other uses
The traditional Rwandan fireplace, known as the urubumbiro, consisted of a large, circular-shaped base with a concave center, where a pot containing burning charcoal was placed.
VaseRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Modern pottery
Modern Rwandan pottery has evolved by embracing innovations from outside, incorporating new shapes, dryers, ovens, and advanced firing techniques that have enhanced the quality and diversification of the products.
Content development and curatorial layout: Chantal Umuhoza
References:
- Pottery: Rwanda's oldest and all-time handicraft, Kanimba Misago Celestin & Lode Van Pee
- Les arts du feu au Rwanda: Poterie et Fer Forge; Kanimba Misago Celestin & Thierry Mesas
