Culture and Customs of RwandaRwanda has been in the news for the genocide of 1994 and its aftermath. This volume exposes Western readers to the fuller picture of Rwanda. Early European travelers attested to Rwanda's beauty, describing it variously as the Switzerland of Africa and the Pearl of Africa. Rwanda has also been referred to as the Land of a Thousand Hills and the Land of Gorillas. The spectacular volcanoes, mountains, and natural resources are significant assets. The nation been dominated by two colonial powers, the Germans and Belgians. In spite of these political upheavals and acts of ethnic violence, Rwanda remains a country with rich culture and customs. Readers will learn that living together in harmony has been part of the Rwandan society, with its few ethnic groups, and traditional values supported a culture of peace. The traditionally pastoral and agricultural society is overviewed. The chapter on religion includes discussion of polytheism to Christianity. Other chapters cover the strong family and women's roles, the arts and oral cultures, celebrations, food, and dress. |
Contents
1 Introduction | 1 |
2 Religion and Worldview | 27 |
3 Literature and Media | 47 |
4 Art and ArchitectureHousing | 63 |
5 Cuisine and Traditional Dress | 81 |
6 Gender Roles Marriage and Family | 97 |
7 Social Customs and Lifestyle | 115 |
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Common terms and phrases
abiru Africa African societies agricultural ancestors animal banana baskets Belgian Belgium Burundi Butare cassava Catholic Church cattle celebration ceremonies Christianity clan clothing crops cult culture and customs dancers economic especially ethnic groups European festival French gacaca gender genocide German Gisenyi Gitarama Grégoire Kayibanda harvest history of Rwanda Hutu Hutu and Tutsi Imana indigenous instruments intore Islam Jan Vansina Kabgayi Kagame Kangura Kigali king kinship Kinyamateka Kinyarwanda Kinyarwanda language land lineage marriage milk missionaries Modern Rwanda music and dance Muslim mwami nyabingi Nyiginya oral literature organization PARMeHUTU Paul Kagame peace performed population pottery practices precolonial priests production promote proverb radio relationship religion religious rituals role Roman Catholic royal drums rural areas Rwandan culture Rwandan society Rwandan women Ryangombe skin social status songs sorghum symbol traditional Rwandan Trip Photo Library Tutsi Tutsi rulers Ubudehe Uganda unity Western education wood carving