Expressions of Burundian Life and Culture through the carvings of Master Carver Lazar Rurerekana

• Exhibit: Expressions of Burundian Life and Culture through the carvings of Master Carver Lazar Rurerekana
• Country: Burundi
• Artist: Lazar Rurerekana
• Origin: Burundi
• Medium: Wood
• Themes: Women, Drums, Intore (Chosen Warrior Dancers)

Burundi is a small, landlocked country in Central Africa. It is bordered by Rwanda to the North, Democratic Republic of Congo to the West, and Tanzania to the East and South. Its people are divided into three ethnicities: Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa (pygmy). They coexist and their customs and traditions are the same. In the old days of the kings, each ethnicity had responsibilities that none of the other two could encroach upon. After independence in 1961 through today, however, the lines between what activities separate the tribes are vague. One of these activities was drumming. Drumming was reserved for selected clans from the Hutu ethnicity. Drums in Burundi represent the king and are a symbol of fertility. Drumming requires a lot of agility and flexibility. Burundian drummers play to the tune of the dancer who performs in front of the group. Lazar carves a lot of art illustrating drummers in various stances of performance. For more on drums click here.

Women in Burundi, as in most of Africa, perform many day-to-day chores. Lazar portrays them usually caring children, a sign of wealth and fertility. Children are a symbol for continuation of life through a new generation. He presents them carrying out diverse daily activities like pounding cassava and carrying loads such as baskets of food, pots of traditional brew, and banana bunches. Women are the backbone of Burundian life and Lazar works to show their role and importance through his work.

Another theme explored by Lazar is that of the traditional chosen warrior dancers, or intore. The word "intore" literary means the chosen ones. In the old days, these were the chosen warriors who would march or jog to the beat of the drum much as modern soldiers do. Today, the warrior dancers perform graceful dances to the beat of drums or other music to showcase their skills.

This exhibit is intended to introduce people to Burundi, its people, and culture. Years of civil wars and instability have discouraged tourism to this great land and, as a result, few people have actually been exposed to its rich traditions. To compliment the exhibit, the energetic and electrifying Burundian Drummers and Dancers of Atlanta will perform for patrons. For more information please contact us at (678)749-6502.

	Women	Drums	Intore