Gishora Royal Sanctuary, Burundi :: World Heritage
Architecture that uses the materials available locally, and which produces a dwelling that is sustainable and renewable from generation to generation, and fulfils its function as a residence 'fit for king' is architecture to be commended.
Here at Gishora, in the commune of Giheta, 7 km from Gitega, the capital city of Burundi, is the royal court and in its centre, is the Ingoro (royal or chiefly residence). Through its history, this court was generally occupied by the chiefs and in its backyard (ikigo) are the dwelling of the maidservants, the room of worship (indaro ya Rugabo) and other structures. This court was reserved for the royal family.
The royal field of Gishora was founded by the Mwami (or King of Burundi) Ntare Rugamba in the first half of the 19th century after its victory against the Chief Ntibirangwa rebels.
The outer courtyard called Intangaro is the sanctuary for the sacred royal drums. Beyond the compound is the performance arena on which the drum dances are performed.
The exceptional architectural character of this royal residence (ingoro) is manifested in its construction technique. The circumference of the residence is traced using two linked units of measurement called itambwe (a unit of measurement corresponding to a man lying face down on the ground with his arms raised). A number of stakes and poles (markhamia lutea poles, Spathodea nilotica) are then planted. The holes for the poles were dug every 30 to 40 cm, to a depth of 60 cm, intended to receive 45 to 60 vertical piles 2 m high, between which 120 to 200 long poles (about 4 m) were planted. These support the roof. Once the stakes and the poles were placed, they were linked by a doubled torus going all around the construction. This torus is composed of a core of reeds sheathed in finely woven papyrus.
As for the interior, it is also intricate and purposefully designed and constructed. The internal under-roof is the most creative part of this royal dwelling. The vault is braided like an overturned basket bottom using a papyrus reed. During construction, this ceiling is centered on a pole the height of a man; it is gradually added below three concentric hoops made outside assembled every 20 or 30 cm. The whole was lifted as it widened by longer and longer forked poles and consolidated by radial rods. When the dome approached the diameter of the hut, it was erected definitively at the desired height using 13 pillars ending in pegged ridge shoes finely decorated by pyrography.
This royal dwelling with its courtyards, accompanying structures, and the drum sanctuary constitute one of the most significant precincts of cultural heritage in Burundi and as such is listed as UNESCO World Heritage estate.
We were there on a peacebuilding mission, invited by former member of the Burundian royal family, former refugee, and now Australian citizen. To be at Gishora was high privilege.
Gishora Royal Sanctuary, Burundi :: World Heritage
Architecture that uses the materials available locally, and which produces a dwelling that is sustainable and renewable from generation to generation, and fulfils its function as a residence 'fit for king' is architecture to be commended.
Here at Gishora, in the commune of Giheta, 7 km from Gitega, the capital city of Burundi, is the royal court and in its centre, is the Ingoro (royal or chiefly residence). Through its history, this court was generally occupied by the chiefs and in its backyard (ikigo) are the dwelling of the maidservants, the room of worship (indaro ya Rugabo) and other structures. This court was reserved for the royal family.
The royal field of Gishora was founded by the Mwami (or King of Burundi) Ntare Rugamba in the first half of the 19th century after its victory against the Chief Ntibirangwa rebels.
The outer courtyard called Intangaro is the sanctuary for the sacred royal drums. Beyond the compound is the performance arena on which the drum dances are performed.
The exceptional architectural character of this royal residence (ingoro) is manifested in its construction technique. The circumference of the residence is traced using two linked units of measurement called itambwe (a unit of measurement corresponding to a man lying face down on the ground with his arms raised). A number of stakes and poles (markhamia lutea poles, Spathodea nilotica) are then planted. The holes for the poles were dug every 30 to 40 cm, to a depth of 60 cm, intended to receive 45 to 60 vertical piles 2 m high, between which 120 to 200 long poles (about 4 m) were planted. These support the roof. Once the stakes and the poles were placed, they were linked by a doubled torus going all around the construction. This torus is composed of a core of reeds sheathed in finely woven papyrus.
As for the interior, it is also intricate and purposefully designed and constructed. The internal under-roof is the most creative part of this royal dwelling. The vault is braided like an overturned basket bottom using a papyrus reed. During construction, this ceiling is centered on a pole the height of a man; it is gradually added below three concentric hoops made outside assembled every 20 or 30 cm. The whole was lifted as it widened by longer and longer forked poles and consolidated by radial rods. When the dome approached the diameter of the hut, it was erected definitively at the desired height using 13 pillars ending in pegged ridge shoes finely decorated by pyrography.
This royal dwelling with its courtyards, accompanying structures, and the drum sanctuary constitute one of the most significant precincts of cultural heritage in Burundi and as such is listed as UNESCO World Heritage estate.
We were there on a peacebuilding mission, invited by former member of the Burundian royal family, former refugee, and now Australian citizen. To be at Gishora was high privilege.