| Duration: | 8 Hour(s) - 0 Minute(s) |
| Tour Category: | Eco Experience |
Rwanda Traditional Craft
Rwanda’s traditional crafts are a vibrant expression of its rich cultural heritage, creativity, and community spirit. For centuries, Rwandans have used natural materials like sisal, banana leaves, reeds, and clay to create beautiful and functional handmade items. These crafts are more than artistic expressions—they are symbols of identity, history, and connection to the land.
Among Rwanda’s most famous crafts is basket weaving, particularly the iconic Agaseke basket, known for its intricate patterns and symbolic meanings of peace and unity. These finely woven baskets are often given as gifts during special occasions and have become a national symbol of Rwanda’s artistry.
Other remarkable crafts include pottery, wood carving, and beadwork, each showcasing the skills passed down through generations. In rural communities, women’s cooperatives play a vital role in keeping these traditions alive while empowering local artisans economically.
Basketry
Basketry is one of the ancient Rwandan skills that has been able to be sustained by adapting to modern demands. Artistic basketry and utilitarian basketry were executed by women. Very richly ornamented with geometrical motifs would be decorative or used for arranging precious objects. Visitors can buy them at rural workshops and shops in Kigali and Butare, or Rubavu.
IMIGONGO: COW DUNG PAINTINGS
At the beginning of the 19th century, there was KAKIRA, son of KIMENYI, King of GISAKA KIBUNGO province (South-East of Rwanda), who invented the art of embellishing houses and thus making them more attractive for living.
While house style has changed, today it's the KAKIRA association that has adapted the ancient models and paints into new embellishing products, the IMIGONGO of Rwanda. Dominated by black, brown, and white whorls and other geometric abstractions, these unique and earthy works can be bought in Kigali, but it's worth diverting to the source to see how the paintings are reflected in local house decorations.
For a day visit, Kawira Safaris is proud to offer you the real experience based on the Rwandan Traditional Craft. The tour starts and ends in Gisenyi in the Rubavu district.
