NYANZA HISTORY

Nyanza consisted of 16 huts, each with a specific function, that were built inside a huge compound. The enclosure had only one entrance that gave access to an immense public area called Karubanda. This place was both a venue for big crowds of courtesans and their servants and a place for holding meetings and trying cases.

Also 34 additional huts for the king's servants were built outside this compound. These accommodations were arranged in a half circle according to one's activity.

Apart from the royal residence, other huts were built on the Mugonzi, Gatsinsino, Gakenyeri, Mwima, Kavumu, Gihisi and Nyamagana hills. Some big huts were allotted to paramount chiefs. Smaller huts accommodated servants who accompanied important personalities to the royal court.

Several wives of King Musinga lived in the area surrounding the royal residence. Mukashema, mother of Kigeri V Ndahindurwa, lived at Kavumu. Kanyange, Nyirakabuga, mother of Rwigemera, and Kankazi, mother of Rudahigwa, lived at Mwima, the place where Mutara III Rudahigwa was born.

The royal court was the center of intellectual and artistic life. As a cultural event, literary creations were highly regarded. Among the literary compositions were dynastic poetry, pastoral poetry, war poetry and historical narratives.

Songs and dances were also valued. In this respect, cithara players, singers and dancers daily animated the evening gatherings. During the day, the Intore trained themselves in jumping, javelin-throwing, bow-shooting, and dance.