Imigongo paintings are a truly indigenous Rwandan art form. They are made from cow dung and dirt made into a clay, it’s very soft and fragile, but so beautiful.

Usually the colors are black and white, gray, rusty color of the Rwanda earth, and yellow mustard.

Imigongo were originally created and developed by Kakira, the son of the king who lived in Kibungo district, Eastern Province of Rwanda. He used them to decorate the interior of his house.

Simple, classic abstract patterns and stark, modern colors characterize the original imigongo designs. However, the designs take the form of geometrical and spiral shapes to form a beautiful and fashionable pattern.

Imigongo artists also use natural pigments ranging from white and black, red earth to ochre.

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