Venturing beyond Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, offers a glimpse into the country’s unique culture and history. Embark on a scenic 4–5 hour bus journey that unveils the Rwandan culture surprises hidden within this compact African nation.
For me, it was a solo expedition, opting to travel the tarred road into the lesser-known regions of Rwanda.
Nyanza, historically the nation’s heart, reveals a tale of battles and power struggles. Despite its size, the road leading to its core presents an unparalleled scenic view, with neatly aligned steep slopes covered in lush green grass.
The breathtaking scenery kept me engaged throughout the morning, despite the chilly winds that left my skin a bit drier.
The invigorating freshness of the breeze compensates for the coolness, offering a refreshing experience for all. Here’s what you can enjoy while exploring Nyanza.
What is special about the Rwandan culture?
Rwanda’s government has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to educating the next generation about their heritage.
A shining example of this effort is the “King’s Palace Museum,” a reconstructed traditional royal residence of the former king.
This museum showcases the nation’s history through its intricately designed thatched hut, resembling a beehive, and a concrete house depicting the impact of colonial powers and local Rwandan life.
Reflecting the historical instability of monarchies in Africa, Nyanza once served as a kingdom, accommodating a population of more than 2,000.
The distinctive architecture of their huts, as depicted in the accompanying image, tells a fascinating story of Rwanda’s past.
The thickness of the walls of these huts is indescribable. It required a lot of time to build. I can attest, traditional architecture remains the standard. Those old people were creative and smart.
Unforgettable Encounters: Inyambo Cattle at the King’s Palace Museum
“Unforgettable Encounters: Inyambo Cattle at the King’s Palace Museum”
In the rear of the expansive hut, an intriguing sight awaits: the long-horned Inyambo cattle, believed to be descendants of the king’s own herd.
These cattle are meticulously cared for, with their dedicated grazing field and cozy wooden barns for relaxation, all while basking in the warm sun.
However, the pinnacle of my visit was the enchanting experience of encountering these cattle. It might sound unbelievable, but these cows not only listen but also dance.
Yes, you read that right – they danced for me. With dedicated caretakers, these animals are treated with utmost attention and affection, even serenaded by their keepers.
Upon the arrival of a guest like me, the keeper offers a melodic Kinyarwanda song.
What ensued was truly extraordinary – the cows rose from their resting positions, swaying and moving as if they were in dance.
Witnessing this unique tradition come alive in such a mesmerizing way was a sight to behold and a memory I will forever cherish.
All the cows are big and elegant. They are said to hail from the wider Ankole breed. In those days, they played a fundamental role during ceremonies in honor of the king.
Exceptionally, they were decorated with rich jewelry. An uncommon thing to see.
And they were taught to listen to a trainer’s songs and follow his movements in a stately parade.
Preserving Tradition: Inyambo Cattle and Rwanda’s Monarchic Legacy
Though the monarchy era concluded in 1962 after Rwanda gained independence, the legacy of the monarchs and their lives endures as a captivating history lesson for both young Rwandans and curious tourists.
It’s truly commendable that the Rwanda Agriculture Board continues to breed and nurture the Inyambo cows, ensuring that the experience of their ancestors lives on for future generations.
With encouragement from our guide, I mustered the courage to touch one of the calves in the barn.
Its fur felt remarkably soft, an unexpected connection to Rwanda’s cultural heritage.
An intriguing revelation I encountered is that the distinctive horns of these cows symbolize Rwanda’s traditional dance style.
This detail had escaped my notice until now.
Following my visit, I observed several Rwandese cultural dance performances and recognized that the dancers elevate their hands gracefully in the air, harmonizing the movement with their rhythmic footsteps – a dance reminiscent of the magnificent horns of the Inyambo cows.
Traditional Rwandan items
My visit to Nyanza allowed me to not only witness but also interact with ancient traditional artifacts.
As an African, much of what I saw wasn’t entirely surprising; however, the joy came from realizing that similar items exist in cultures around the world.
One particular experience that stood out was when I knelt down to grind on a large grinding stone.
For a moment, I felt a pang of hunger. While this might sound peculiar to those unfamiliar with the practice of using stones to grind food, the taste is distinctly different when we do.
Many Africans share the belief that the stone imparts an unexplainable flavor to the food, and I can’t help but acknowledge that notion.
Although it might seem rooted in superstition, I stand by this experience.
To this day, I use a stone to grind specific traditional Cameroonian spices before preparing certain meals.
While grinding mills with modern machines are commonplace, and home blenders are readily available, there are certain ingredients that retain their authenticity and essence when ground using the traditional method.
I was impressed by the wooden milk containers and their lids. The guide told me, those jugs could preserve the milk from the cows for days at a time. As for the ancient clay pots all displayed on the ground, I was glad they also use those. Some of their shapes were really different.
Rwandan culture experience: inside the palace hut
Stepping inside the hut, I was immediately struck by the darkness that enveloped the interior.
In contrast, the modern-day government has installed lighting for tourism purposes. It made me ponder how the older generations must have relied on local lighting methods.
During the guided tour, I had the chance to explore the various sections of the hut, each with its distinct purpose.
One area that particularly intrigued me was the King’s bedroom, a section elevated and adorned with a semi-gate-like structure resembling a blind-covered door.
The Guide explained that this sacred part of the palace was strictly off-limits to outsiders, and entry was only permitted upon a special request.
Even today, these traditional rules remain in place, preserving the sanctity of the space and offering a glimpse into the past.
To gain deeper insight into Rwandan culture, the Guide directed me to another section within the heart of the hut.
This area was regarded as the living room. It was a place where the King would host guests and engage in discussions with his family.
Adjacent to this space, there was a distinct area designated for the King’s wives. Interestingly, women were only allowed to be in the King’s presence if he specifically summoned them.
As I entered this space, I noticed the floor was adorned with mats, creating a cozy ambiance.
Seating myself on the mats, I embraced the opportunity to immerse myself in the experience.
Before entering, we had respectfully removed our shoes at the entrance. Its a sign of reverence for the palace and its traditions.
The palace museum
Just when I thought my journey was concluding as we left the hut, the Guide surprised me by mentioning another destination on the extensive premises.
Perched at the edge of the area was a modern concrete house, constructed by the Belgians in 1919 during Rwanda’s period as a League of Nations mandate territory.
While Belgium’s influence on Rwanda’s history is often associated with the negative impact of the genocide, it remains a significant part of the narrative.
This substantial white building, in stark contrast to the traditional hut, once served as the residence for the Belgians.
Inside, I discovered an array of modern furnishings like armchairs and carpets, reflecting a different era.
Today, it functions as a small museum, adorned with pictures on its walls that depict the historical relationship between the former Rwandan King and the Belgian administration.
Interestingly, visitors are restricted from taking photographs within the museum.
Hence, we walked through its various rooms while the Guide explained each space, including the bedroom, office, living room, and even the garage before we exited.
This site stands as a testament to the preservation of Rwandan culture.
It’s a place of learning, with schoolchildren frequently embarking on field trips to explore their nation’s history. On the day of my visit, I encountered a group of enthusiastic students eager to delve into their past.
Are you curious about what else you can do in Rwanda, check these other articles.
