Intore Warrior Dancers of Burundi

• 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)

Intore were the traditional king's warriors. Their name means "Chosen Ones" and they were the elite of the king's army. In Burundi, they performed a special dance called Kwiyereka (to parade one's self) in which they show their skill in leaping, gracefullness, weapons-handling, and synchronized formation.

Their gear included a sisal-made headdress (umugara), spear (icumu) and shield (inkinzo), leopard-hide outfit, clanging bells on the ankles (amayugi), and sometimes a sisal whip.

Lazar protrays these splendid warriors captured in graceful motions of their dances.