UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

03/25/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 03/26/2024 09:42

Capacity building for the safeguarding of Rwanda’s Imigongo Decorative Art

Recognizing the importance of safeguarding Rwanda's Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), which has yet to be recognized on the UNESCO ICH List, the UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa assisted the Rwanda government in organizing a workshop from March 20 to 22, 2024, in Rwanda's Kirehe and Ngoma districts.

The three-day workshop aimed to raise community awareness and to develop a capacity for the preparation of a dossier for the future inscription of Imigongo Decorative Art on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (ICH List).

UNESCO workshop on Rwanda's traditional Imigongo Decorative Art. March 20 to 22, 2024. Kirehe & Ngoma, Rwanda.
Rwandan women practice Imigongo Decorative Art. March 20 to 22, 2024. Kirehe & Ngoma, Rwanda.
Rwandan woman practice Imigongo Decorative Art. March 20 to 22, 2024. Kirehe & Ngoma, Rwanda.

UNESCO partnered with national authorities, the Imigongo community, including the Rwanda National Commission for UNESCO, and other key stakeholders. The event encouraged lively discussions, interactive workshops, and demonstrations, facilitating a collective exploration of Imigongo's historical significance, symbolic meanings, and social roles.

More than 80 community members participated, including community leaders, youth, women, Imigongo producers, researchers, university professors, media representatives, and government officials, representing diverse demographics.

It was an eye-opening workshop for me. I did not know the in-depth meaning and value of Imigongo decoration art. It goes beyond the artistic work - the art embodies the hopes of prosperity and peace promotion among the community. It is high time for us to transmit this value and meaning of Imigongo to the next generation.

Rangira Bruno, Mayor of the Kirehe district
UNESCO workshop on Imigongo decorative art. March 20 to 22, 2024. Kirehe & Ngoma, Rwanda.
Rwandan woman practice Imigongo Decorative Art. March 20 to 22, 2024. Kirehe & Ngoma, Rwanda.

Imigongo: A traditional art on the verge of extinction

Imigongo holds a pivotal role in Rwandan society today. It embodies colorful and intricate geometric patterns, crafted with earth, cow dung, urine, and grass, often in black, white, and red hues. These patterns depict various themes, symbolizing figures of people, animals, or natural elements. By incorporating Imigongo into both interior and exterior spaces, communities seek protection from malevolent spirits and natural calamities.

In the past, the knowledge of Imigongo's creation was exclusive to the royal court, but it gradually disseminated among community groups through informal education and technical training. Despite facing near extinction during the 1994 genocide, Imigongo was revitalized by a women's cooperative in Kirehe district.

Culture is not a heritage set in stone, but one that is living and breathing, open to influences and dialogue, allowing us to adapt more peacefully to the changes in the world. I was so honored to explore with you today the legacy and traditional knowledge of Imigongo.

Dr. Masanori Nagaoka, Regional Advisor for Culture, UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa