foreword

by Francois NGARAMBE former Minister for Youth, Sports and Culture

Rwanda, a country famous for its natural beauty, its landscape and its town Lair? gorillas, is unfortunately also known throughout the world by the 1994 genocide, whose most difficult consequences have become a heavy doily burden to all Rwandans. Meanwhile, the Land of a Thousand Hills has another facet to offer to the world, its history paved with exciting events and its culture so rich with many aspects. We are in a full globalization era concerning political, economical and cultural fields. This irreversible movement brings or absorbs cultural entities, especially the minorities, who are unable to develop survival strategies and continue to reinvent themselves. Conscious of this imminent danger, the Rwandan Government is putting action to safeguard her culture, with a highly appreciable leading role for preserving the identity of its people and for harmonious development of its country. With this perspective, it has sustained the publication of this work, which will be a major contribution to the Rwandan intelligence and culture. Through this book, Rwandans and foreigners would be able to revise the geography of Rwanda , relive its history and discover many aspects of her culture by passing through the basic institutions, such as marriage, socioeconomic and political organisation, beliefs, various trades, games and leisure. It will be a source of inspiration and originality for everybody, men of culture, teachers, operators, cultural and economic creators.

We would feel honoured, if other researchers could follow closely the footsteps of the National Museum of Rwunda team and make the Rwandans reappropriate values of their culture, in order to perpetuate a social and political climate as cool as the natural climate of their country.