Decorative Patterns: Expression of Exquisite Craftsmanship

Artistic production in Rwanda has a long history. Woodwork, wickerwork, pottery, beadwork and imigongo were accompanied by a rich decor. Today around 150 individual patterns have been documented. Their names are meaningful but it is not always easy to know the meaning for all.

Rwandan decorative patterns vary in geometrical shapes including triangular, rhombus, square, trapezium, rectangular, zigzag, spiral, curved lines, oblique, parallel, and simple lines amongst many others. There are also combined patterns, and patterns without geometric forms.

The triangular shape of the traditional decorative pattern termed ibaba looks like a bird wing when it is flying.

Itangaza, is a commonly used pattern and derives from the verb gutangaza which means to astound, be admirable or remarkable, attractive and, in this case, to become lighter, referring to the morning. In other words, the pattern is termed itangaza because it is much appreciated. It has a number of varieties.

Usually used, the name abashi, plural form of umwashi, is a decorative pattern resulting from an analogy between its rhombus form and the shape of umwashi, a wooden device used in traditional construction, which is put on the top of the pillar to support the hut’s roof. 

Commonly used, the term umuraza means zigzag. A decorative pattern termed umuraza depicts a river which meanders. Its varieties are ubukokora and nyamuraza.

Ikibero means the human thigh. In Rwandan art, this word refers to a decorative pattern in basketry consisting of equal triangles aligned on a vertical side.

Today Rwandan decorative patterns are multicolored, but the designs remain the same, although there may be slight modifications due to new techniques. Local craftsmen progressively enrich the classic repertoire of colors with new ones such as green, violet, blue and many others.