Agaseke: The Baskets That Brought Peace

Learn about traditional basket weaving in Rwanda that served as symbol of prosperity, peace and love.

Bamboo Basket - ikigeni- umurazaOriginal Source: Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy

Basketry in Rwanda

Basketry, a craft passed down through generations, has preserved its original techniques and artistry. Women skillfully weave intricate geometric patterns into baskets, creating both decorative pieces and vessels for precious objects.

Fine basket (4)Original Source: Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy

"Agaseke":The Peace Basket

The Agaseke basket, a symbol of peace and unity in Rwandan culture, woven using the technique Inyanja, has played a vital role in fostering reconciliation since the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, while also providing a source of income for many.

Fine basket (5)Original Source: Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy

How the art of weaving was transferred

In Rwandan communities, basket weaving has traditionally been passed down from mothers to daughters. 


Urubohero, also known as peer learning centers, provided a space for young girls to gather, learn weaving techniques, and gain life skills.

Fine basket (20)Original Source: Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy

Cooperatives

Over time, traditional Urubohero peer learning centers gave way to modern schools and cooperatives. In the aftermath of the Genocide Against the Tutsi, weaving cooperatives revived the tradition while providing economic opportunities.

Fine basket (18)Original Source: Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy

The role of weaving cooperatives and reconciliation

Government and individual initiatives to establish weaving cooperatives brought together survivors and women whose husbands played a role in the genocide. These shared spaces fostered dialogue on life, health, and reconciliation, facilitating healing and understanding.

Credits: Story

Content development: Chantal Umuhoza
Curatorial Layout: Chantal Umuhoza


Field trip: Aziz Life: Muhanga

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
Home
Discover
Play
Nearby
Favorites