The Life of Rwandan Cattle Keepers
Learn about the traditional day to day of cattle keepers and the weapons they utilize in Rwanda.
InyamboOriginal Source: Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Rwandan culture heavily values cows, and they're seen as a cornerstone of their society. Traditionally, the army wasn't just soldiers – it also included herders who raised cattle and aided military efforts.
Cows - Inyambo by Rwanda MuseumsRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
The role of cattle keepers
Cow care was mostly men's and boys' work, with girls sometimes helping. A single cow owner might have his young sons herd, while the wealthy hired many herders with specialized tasks.
Rainhood (2)Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
The rain hood - Isinde
In the rainy season, the cattle keepers take cattle to the hills or the mountains to graze.
The rain hood Isinde was used to protect cattle keepers from storms. It was made from thatch, dried leaves from banana stalks (amashara), dried and knotted banana stalk fibers (ibirere).
Most of the cattle keepers were living on milk and cow's blood (ikiremvi). The arrow with round tip and the bow were used to bleed the cow. The cattle keepers shoot the jugular vein and the blood spurting out was collected in a jar; to stop the bleeding, the jugular vein was compressed, the wound then rubbed with ficus sap.
Nyirankono
During the dry season, cattle keepers take cows to the valleys or previously harvested fields. Presented in the image, one of the common ways of grilling food, especially potatoes can be seen.
Cattle herders, searching for grazing land, would travel with bags carrying supplies.
Wooden pot (2)Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Watering pot
After an afternoon watering, cattle return home for milking and care near the warming fire (igicaniro) in the corral. This special container was used to give them water.
Fire starterOriginal Source: Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
The firelighter and its sheath
Cattle herders carried fire starters: two sticks. A notch is cut in a soft piece (on the ground), and a harder piece is rubbed against it to create sparks.
Cauterizing toolOriginal Source: Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Cauterizing knife
This tool was used for branding cattle
Kunyabanwa: The Cattle Keeper's game
Kunyabanwa was a martial game played by shepherds fighting for the field where the cows drank water.
This game was played with sticks in order to see who was more dominant and as a result, their cows would drink water first.
Content development: Chantal Umuhoza
Curatorial layout: Chantal Umuhoza
References: - Rwanda, Pastoral evolution and the place of Inyambo
- Rwanda, it's cultural heritage. Past and Present
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