Women in Burundi & Other Aspects of Burundian Culture

• 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)

Traditional Burundian society is patriarchal. Men are seen as the natural heads of their households and communities. Traditionally, men farm while women and girls carry the workload of the home. They are in charge of firewood collection, cooking, laundry, and childcare.
Bearing children is seen as both a sign of wealth and a continuation of life. Children are also treasured because of their usefulness as extra hands around the home and in the fields.

Lazar portrays women performing traditional chores, sometimes in a home setting, and almost always gives them children on their back. This is a sign that the women are ababyeyi (parents), deserving respect and admiration.

Other Aspects of Burundian Daily life