Cultural heritage
Art and culture
Crafts are important in Burundi and are manifested in many ways. Basketry is a craft highly prized by artisans. Artisans also make masks, statues, shields and pottery of their own creation.
Inanga and Umwironge
When friends gather for an event, they drink sorghum beer (“impeke”) or banana wine (“urwawa”), together around a large bowl, a symbol of unity. Music accompanies events and large celebrations where percussionists perform. Among the musical instruments used are the flute, the “ikembe”, the “indonogo”, the “umuduri”, the “inanga” and the “inyangara”.
National Museum of Gitega
Handicrafts are an important form in Burundi and are attractive gifts for many tourists. Basket weaving is a popular craft for Burundian artisans. Other handicrafts such as masks, shields, jewelry, painting, wood bending, metal statues, and pottery are made in Burundi.
Throughout history, Burundians have enjoyed a tradition of expression in the visual arts. Decorated papyrus panels, which feature geometric patterns and often depict themes from Burundian legends, are prized by collectors of ethnic art, as are swords and drums made in Burundi. Ceramics making, introduced by Italian missionaries in the 1960s, has also been an important form of artistic expression, and Burundian potters have added indigenous elements to this imported material. Other arts and crafts include basketry and beadwork. The dye generally used to color Burundian handicrafts is derived from natural plant extracts.