Experience Rwanda’s Imigongo art
Experience Rwanda’s Imigongo art
Rwanda is a country with great culture, rich history, and beautiful places. Imigongo art is one of the most unique and celebrated forms of artistic expression within so many of its artistic traditions. Designed to feature its distinctive geometric patterns in their bold colors, the images of this traditional Rwandan art form are a national pride and a must-see to any traveler visiting the country. Interested in where to observe Rwanda’s Imigongo art, then there are various spots to see and perhaps acquire these charming works while figuring out about the history and importance of this art kind.
What is Imigongo Art in Rwanda?
Imigongo art is a traditional Rwandan art that was a common practice in the Eastern part of the country. What it is commonly known for is its bold geometric patterns formed out of cow dung, clay, and natural pigments. The art is usually applied in walls and surfaces but has also been adapted for canvas and wood. Often, the patterns have a symbolic meaning for Rwandan culture and daily life, and the artwork is created by hand, making it very intricate and personal form of art.
Imigongo art as an art tradition was practiced only by the Banyarwanda people, more specifically the communities from southeastern part of Rwanda. The use of this form of art was as decoration in the homes and royal palaces for the first period. Today the symbol of Rwandan heritage continues to be used and respected for its uniqueness.
The Best Places to Experience Imigongo Art in Rwanda
- Imigongo Art Centre in Kirehe District
Imigongo Art Centre is one of the best places to enjoy Imigongo art, it is found within Kirehe district which is in eastern Rwanda. The Imigongo art produced at this ‘hub’ centre is sold on display occasionally. The center has artisans who work on intricate item using traditional technique and the people visiting the center can see them working. Its entire process including preparation of cow dung to the making of the geometric patterns, can be watched.
Other than making you learn about history and techniques of Imigongo art, the center will also sell a variety of artworks including paintings, wall hangings, and other decorative items furnished Arts and crafts. It’s a wonderful place to seem for a one of a kind souvenir while aiding towards the artists and community.
- The Rwanda Art Museum in Nyarutarama
If you are in Kigali, Rwanda Art Museum in Nyarutarama is another great place to see Imigongo art. It has a collection of Rwandan artifacts including, Imigongo and other artefacts which offer great insight into the form of the art. Imigongo has evolved as the works are shown from traditional and contemporary artists at the museum.
If you visit the Rwanda Art Museum you are given a chance to not only admire the artwork but gain a bit of knowledge surrounding its cultural importance. Another enriching avenue of interaction for art enthusiasts who would like to know more about Rwandan art and history is the fact that the museum often engages in exhibitions, workshops and other events that cover topics regarding the country’s history and art.
- Gahanga Art Centre
Rwanda’s Imigongo art can also be discovered in its Gahanga Art Centre which is located just out most of Kigali. In addition, the center functions as an art gallery and workshop centre where local artisans create. Imigongo is available at Gahanga where visitors will get the chance of amazing traditional and contemporary Rwandan arts including Imigongo.
There is a lot that sets Gahanga apart and that’s that it involves the community in a big way, and it’s training young artists. Artists can be encountered among visitors, the techniques explained and participation in the art making session possible. Such immersive experience is an excellent means to bond from the wealth of Rwandan artistic traditions and help the local arts scene.
- Nyundo Art School
The Rubavu District’s Nyundo Art School is a great place to go if you want to get more hands on with Imigongo art. Rwanda’s premier art institution in terms of formal education as well as informal art workshops based in a number of Rwandan art forms including Imigongo.
Visitors can also watch students and professional artists at Nyundo to create the pieces, or in some cases participate in workshops to learn how to successfully execute Imigongo pieces.
- Rwandan Cultural Village at Nyanza
When visiting through the southern region of Rwanda, the Rwandan cultural village in Nyanza is an experience with Imigongo art where you will really be immersed. Nyanza is famous for its cultural heritage and was a former seat of the Rwandan monarchy. In the cultural village it is possible to see traditional Rwandan life through art, music and dancing.
In the village itself are artisans that make and sell the Imigongo pieces. Secondly, visitors can get involved in hands on activities; making their own art pieces and also know about Imigongo’s cultural importance of the Royal history of Rwanda.
What to Expect When Viewing Imigongo Art
This art is characterized with intricate patterns and vibrant colors when you experience Imigongo art. The most common designs are spirals, concentric circles, and geometric shapes that are sometimes combined to make the more complex designs. Imigongo uses the natural pigments extracted from local plants, minerals and soil so the pieces are naturally earthy in color.
The imigongo art is not just visually enticing, it has profound cultural and symbolic meaning. Let’s take the example of spiral patterns which are often used because they relate to the journey of life, or wealth, family, humans and nature connection. These meanings broaden the meaning of the art and make the whole of the artwork more alive.
Conclusion on experiencing Rwanda’s Imigongo art
No visitor to Rwanda should miss visiting the country’s Imigongo art. So whether you visit the Imigongo Art Centre in Kirehe, the Rwanda Art Museum in Kigali or any of the various places you will see the art form whether it be wonderful pieces done the creativity and spirit of the Rwandan people their is a very community involvement into the making of this art form. The experience of taking Imigongo art in is an enriching and not to forget experience for a travel to Rwanda.
