VolcanoesRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Perception of the world: The universe, life, and death
Rwandan myths, passed down for generations, reveal their beliefs about life, death, and the universe. They see a person as two parts: the visible body and an invisible, spiritual shadow. This photo shows a chain of volcanoes, believed to be the resting place of ancestral spirits.
The Universe: Superposition of three worlds
Rwandan beliefs place the creator above the heavens, with Earth at the center. Below lies the shadowy underworld for the dead and spirits, influencing the living.
Ritual pot (2)Original Source: Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Pleasing ancestors
Rwandans honor their ancestors with special huts, offering sips of beer or milk to appease them and seek their favor. This pot (pictured) might have been used for such offerings to spirits like Biheko or Nyabingi.
Worshiping Ryangombe "Kubandwa"
The headdress of Ryangombe's priests, a legendary hero who had led an amusing life in the company of friends during his life on earth
He is honored by an initiation cult Kubandwa.
Supernatural world and divination
This divinatory shelf board belongs to a diviner, traditionally an elder skilled in the art of divination.
Using various techniques, diviners consult with the spirit world, interpreting the wishes of ancestors and seeking their support for success, and protection from danger.
Belt potOriginal Source: Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Pot for saliva
This container was used to carry saliva from a client who couldn't visit the diviner in person. Believed to hold a person's essence, the saliva facilitated the diviner's magical connection with the spirit world.
Candle stick for divinationOriginal Source: Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Candle stick for divination
Divination candles, made with animal fat and ubujyuri flowers, are personalized with saliva. The diviner interprets the future by reading the flame's direction.
InkondoRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Traditional medicinal practices: amulets for protection
Inkondo a calabash amulet which protected women and cows from having miscarriages. Young children wore them to protect themselves from diseases and death. The neck of the calabash was slit on both ends and filled with varied ingredients then blocked carefully.
Medecinal hornRwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Horns for detection
Antelope horns, and sometimes cow horns filled with various elements were attributed to have special magical properties. They helped to discover stolen objects and identify thieves. Others were instruments used by diviners - healers and again others were used for evil spelling.
Amulette (3)Original Source: Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Medicinal cupping: horn suckers
Traditional healers treated mental illness, psychosomatic disorders, and suspected bewitchment using cupping methods (horns, calabashes) and plant extracts. They also warded off evil with amulets worn or kept as talismans.
Calabash rattle (5)Original Source: Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy
Practices that are on the verge of disappearing
Despite some individuals preserving these traditions, colonialism and the post-colonial period saw a significant decline due to their association with paganism.
Content development: Chantal Umuhoza
Curatorial layout: Chantal Umuhoza
Photography: Cedric Ishimwe
References: Rwanda, a journey through the National Museum Collection
Rwanda, its Cultural Heritage. Past and Present
