The Multifaceted Role of Woodwork in Rwanda
From stools, to storage bowls to jugs, learn about the versatility of wood work in Rwandan history.
Milk pot (10)Original Source: Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Introduction
Traditional craftsmanship is one of the evidences illustrating how our ancestors knew how to use their imagination, creativity and reflection
Woodwork was essential to Rwandans as it provided tools needed for different purposes i.e buildings, transportation household items, etc.
Carving wood was a long process that required trees of good quality, carving tools, and the skills of a professional. A chosen tree would have been hacked down with an axe and/or with a billhook, then carved with an adze. Gouges of different shapes were used to dig receptacles. The finishing was done with a planer with two handles, with a hallmark for engraving, colored leaves were used for polishing vegetal glue
Woodwork and home furniture: A stool
Rwandan stools served multiple purposes: seating for the house leader, thrones for butter divination rituals, and even stands for royal drums.
Woodwork and household utensils: Brassin - Umuvure
A utensil used for preparing banana beer.
Woodwork and household utensils: Beer calabash
Made from pumpkin wood, this container was used to serve beer.
Woodwork and household utensils: Drinking straw case
Traditionally, Rwandans used bamboo cases to store reusable straws. As hygiene practices evolved, these cases became rare due to the shift away from communal straws.
Woodwork and kitchen tools: Wooden plate
The wooden plate imbehe was used to serve food.
Butter Dish (6)Original Source: Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Woodwork and kitchen tools: Butter dish - Umukondo
The umukondo was used to store and preserve butter.
Milk jugOriginal Source: Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Woodwork and kitchen tools: Milk pot
The milk pot injome was used to serve milk to children.
They were typically made from markhamia wood named umusave.
Wooden beehiveRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Woodwork and economic activities: Beehive
Carved from massive tree trunks, wooden beehives placed at forest edges housed bees for honey, a cherished food and nutrient in Rwandan cuisine.
Wooden pot (2)Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Woodwork and home utensils
Essential for every household, this wooden pot, crafted with a handy rim for easy carrying, transported water and other beverages.
Sword (3)Original Source: Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Woodwork and weaponry: sheaths for swords
These sheaths were carved using different types of wood: markhamia umusave, acacia umunyinya, and ficus umuvumu.
Shield (5)Original Source: Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Woodwork and weaponry: Shields
Rwandan warriors used shields crafted from strong Acacia (umunyinya), Markhamia (umusave), or Ficus (umuvumu) wood for protection in battle.
Bamboo comb (1)Original Source: Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Woodwork and hygiene: Comb
Made from bamboo, this comb was used to keep long hair in place.
Wooden pipeRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Woodwork and leisure: Pipes
Although the most commonly used pipes were made out clay and coarse sand, wooden pipes were also used.
Wooden cup (2)Original Source: Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Woodwork from the 21st Century
While metal and plastic replaced many wooden utensils, Rwandan woodwork thrives in crafting beautiful furniture.
Content development: Chantal Umuhoza/ Curator at Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Curatorial layout: Chantal Umuhoza/ Curator at Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
References: Rwanda, its Cultural Heritage, Past and Present
