INSPIRATION

This painting presents a powerful composition of four figures descending from the sky: three men and a young girl. They represent the Ibimanuka—Sebizeze, Mututsi, Nyamundu, and their servant.

The imagery draws from a foundational Rwandan mythology used by the Banyiginya Kingdom to legitimize its rule and explain the origins of society. According to this tradition, the Ibimanuka were divine or semi-divine beings who descended from the heavens to shape the world and lead its people. Their descent symbolizes a spiritual journey of purpose, guidance, and nation-building.

Through this painting, I revisit this mythological journey not only as a cultural narrative, but also as a symbolic beginning of our nation. The falling figures convey both movement and transformation, capturing a moment of transition from the divine realm to the human world. The presence of the young girl suggests continuity, legacy, and the inclusion of both genders in the foundation of society.

Ultimately, the work invites viewers to explore the richness of Rwandan oral traditions while reflecting on how mythology has shaped ideas of identity, power, and nationhood.