Culture and Customs of Rwanda

by Adekunle, Julius O.

• ISBN13: 9780313331770
• ISBN10: 0313331774
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2007-05-30
• Publisher: Greenwood Pub Group

Summary

Rwanda has been in the news for the genocide of 1994 and its aftermath. This volume exposes Western readers to the fuller picture of Rwanda. Early European travelers attested to Rwanda's beauty, describing it variously as "the Switzerland of Africa" and "the Pearl of Africa." Rwanda has also been referred to as "the Land of a Thousand Hills" and "the Land of Gorillas." The spectacular volcanoes, mountains, and natural resources are significant assets. The nation been dominated by two colonial powers, the Germans and Belgians. In spite of these political upheavals and acts of ethnic violence, Rwanda remains a country with rich culture and customs.

Table of Contents

Introduction	p. 1
Religion and worldview	p. 27
Literature and media	p. 47
Art and architecture/housing	p. 63
Cuisine and traditional dress	p. 81
Gender roles, marriage, and family	p. 97
Social customs and lifestyle	p. 115
Music and dance	p. 133
Rwanda national anthem and English translation	p. 147
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