Karyenda
The karyenda is a traditional
History
When Burundi gained independence from Belgium in 1962, the karyenda was the symbol on the national flag and its coat of arms from 1962 to 1966.[1] It was replaced after the republic was established. Traditionally the most important folk songs and dances were performed to extol the virtues of the kingship. A major festival was the annual umuganuro (sorghum festival), which was a huge display of pomp, festivities, and dances for the royal court. Since the fall of the monarchy in 1966, and particularly after a massacre of Hutus in 1972, such cultural expressions have waned.
The second most important drum was the rukinzo. It accompanied the mwami wherever he went.
The drums, despite many upheavals, have remained popular and are still revered. The old families who were wardens of the drums have tried to keep the ancient traditions alive. Some have an international outreach, such as the Royal Drummers of Burundi, or L. Ndoricimpa and C. Guillet, who recorded Les tambours du Burundi (The Drums of Burundi) in 1983.
Symbolism
As sacred objects, the drums were much more than simple musical instruments. They were used in rituals, such as the umuganuro, or for special circumstances. Major events for the king, such as royal
Drums had various names, such as "dispenser of peace" or "lady of the land".
The Royal Order of Karyenda and the Royal Order of Rukinzo were founded by King Mwambutsa IV of Burundi on July 1, 1962. The Order of Karyanda was the principal order of the kingdom and was divided into five classes.[2][3]
Sanctuaries
The drums were normally kept in drum
Some of the main sanctuaries for the drums were: Gishora Hill, near Gitega; Higiro Hill, also near Gitega; Magamba Hill; and Banga.
References
- ISBN 0-688-01141-1), p. 153.
- ^ Barrio, Antonio Prieto (19 November 2015). "English: Royal Order of Karyenda - Royal Female Drum (Kingdom of Burundi)". Retrieved 12 April 2017 – via Wikimedia Commons.
- ^ "Order of Rukinzo Knight :: Burundi :: World Medals and Decorations :: Liverpool Medals Ltd :: World Military Medals :: Medals for Sale". liverpoolmedals.com. Retrieved 12 April 2017.
External links
Media related to Karyenda at Wikimedia Commons