Rwandan Architecture

Rwandan architecture was commonly a male dominated practice. It involved many steps and is associated with ceremonial rites aiming at insuring success and luck for the future occupants. The traditional house is a domed structure, but the modern architecture uses various designs.

Before construction begins, a traditional soothsayer would be consulted to ensure the site's safety. The construction materials would be gathered, the site levelled, and then, the construction of the house begins. The musical calabash as shown is used by the soothsayers.

During levelling work, the presence of a white wagtail (bird) is usually required for the project to continue. The bird represents peace which foreshadows a peaceful home.

The mentioned young flexible trees were destined to support the walls of the house. The weavers the plaited the inside wall starting at the ceiling and working down to the soil level.

From the bottom up to the top, the house is covered with thatch made essentially with plants that have long stems such as miscanthus sp, hyparrhenia, eragrostis blepharogrglumis. The size of the house varies depending on its function and the social status of the owner.

In traditional Rwanda, the construction of a house is a community affair. For building new homes, all men in the village were invited to contribute - roles include transporting and installing the dome of the roof. The community would also be invited for the inauguration ceremony

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries the traditional architecture methods gradually evolved. New construction materials, designs, techniques, large and tall structures were introduced. 

Today, luxurious houses are inspired by the traditional architecture.