Hutu

The Hutu are the majority ethnic group in the countries of Burundi and Rwanda; the division of these countries is a result of European colonialism. With a population of 15 million, the Hutu represent more than 85% of the populations of the two countries; the remaining populations in those countries are the Tutsi and the Twa, with the Twa having about 1 % and the rest of the people belonging to a Tutsi identity.

It is thought that the Hutu arrived in the area from Central Africa or from Ethiopia more than 2,000 years ago. During the first centuries of their existence, the people were hunters and farmers, but gradually became farmers who worked the land with expert skill. In fact, in Hutu society, the person who is the best farmer is considered to be a highly valuable member of the community. Thus, people seek to discover new ways of planting on the hillsides that comprise the countries. Well-tended farms with extensive lines dividing the farms show the respect, beauty, and pride of the people.

Hutu social existence is based on the family and clan. It is a common pattern among African groups, and it serves to protect the spiritual linkage to the first ancestor. This is why the Hutu had Babinza, kings, who ruled over limited dominions. These Bahinza were able to combine several clan groups under their rule and to exercise rights of solving land disputes, kinship issues, as well as health matters. This was the model of Hutu life prior to the coming of Europeans with Catholicism.

Indeed, the Tutsi, who had lived among the Hutu for centuries, almost as the same people, also had the same clan structure. In fact, there is hardly any difference between the two groups. When one examines their language, customs, and traditions, no real differences exist between the people except the consciousness of a separation based on the legacy of the colonial powers, privilege, discrimination, and behavioral practices. Once intellectuals and traditionalists of the society have dealt with these critical issues, there should be a more reasonable approach to the issues that have caused so much death and destruction in the region.

The Hutu people live in the rural areas of the two countries. They have their picturesque villages of neat rondavals made of dried grass and mud that comprise compounds for the family farms. These structures are spread throughout the hills of Rwanda and Burundi. Because these are farm families, they honor farm work above [Page 323]all else. Men and women are on equal footing when it comes to the work. They support the persons with reputation for hard and honest farm labor.

Although only about a fourth of the people follow the ancient religious traditions, those who do appear to be the most happily adjusted, in that they maintain a love for their language and the protocols of their customs and values. They may speak Kinyawanda as well as Swahili and French. Among the activities that are closely related with the culture are iron and brass work, basket and pottery making, and wood sculpture. They are excellent musicians and makers of proverbs.

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