Thekaryenda is a traditionalAfricandrum. It was the main symbol ofBurundi and itsMwami (King) and had semi-divine status. TheMwami was said to interpret the beatings of the karyenda into rules for thekingdom.
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When Burundi gained independence fromBelgium in 1962, the karyenda was the symbol on thenational flag and itscoat 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 annualumuganuro (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 ofHutus in 1972, such cultural expressions have waned.
The second most important drum was therukinzo. It accompanied themwami 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 theRoyal Drummers of Burundi, or L. Ndoricimpa and C. Guillet, who recordedLes tambours du Burundi (The Drums of Burundi) in 1983.
As sacred objects, the drums were much more than simple musical instruments. They were used in rituals, such as theumuganuro, or for special circumstances. Major events for the king, such as royalcoronations,funerals, andweddings were announced through the drums. The beating of the drums also signalled certain rites, such as when themwami rose in the morning or retired in the evening.
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 KingMwambutsa 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]
The drums were normally kept in drumsanctuaries. These were a tight network of high places, as well as centres of political and religious power inpre-colonial Burundi. The sanctuaries were guarded mainly by Hutu families, who were the only ones the king allowed to manufacture, play, and keep the drums or bring them to court for an occasion. They were calledabatimbo, which isRundi for drummers "who hit hard". Asacred drum was enthroned in each sanctuary and guarded by attendants. There were alsoingendanyi (minor drums), and a set of drums that were played with the main drums.
Some of the main sanctuaries for the drums were:Gishora Hill, nearGitega;Higiro Hill, also near Gitega;Magamba Hill; andBanga.
Media related toKaryenda at Wikimedia Commons
