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Rwandan Art To Be Exhibited Today

Oct 24, 2008, 6:11 AM | Article By: Njie Baldeh

The Imigongo are geometrical structures made of wood, covered with cow dung and painted with natural pigments ranging from white and black to ochre. The paintings date from the early 19thcentury, when prince Kakaira started using them to decorate the insight of houses.

In a chat with Entertainment, Mr. Oko Drammeh, told Entertainment that besides the beauty of these paintings, it is interesting to highlight that all materials used are natural, whereas the traditional motifs are geometrical, in recent years more modern patterns have also been used.

According to Mr. Drammeh, they originated in the eastern province of Rwanda, not far from the border with Tanzanian in Kazuvo. There is a workshop in which women have revived this traditional Imigong-wall painting. They are available for sale throughout Rwanda and are used in many restaurants and hotels as modern decoration. The programme will be marching with music entertainment.