Headdress "amashyoro" of the female Lord Dancilla Nyirakigwene, before 1930 · Rwanda, Burundi, Tutsi · ID: 3050812
not available anymore
Provenance
Dancilla Nyirakigwene, Ruanda, Nduga (~1930)given as a gift to a belgian nurse who worked for the royal family in the mid-20th century
By inheritance
Size
L: 25 cm (beaded horns)
L: 9.8 inch (beaded horns)
Description
chipwood, plant fibre, miniature glass beads, base
A photo from 1930 shows Dancilla Nyirakigwene, who held the office of Lord of Nduga during the reign of King Yuhi V Musinga. She is wearing this headdress, called “amashyoro”, on her head.
When her husband, Lord Nyantabana of Nduga, died and their son Bagambiki was still far too young to take his place, Dancilla Nyirakigwene asked King Yuhi V Musinga for permission to take over the office herself.
Although a new colonial constitution stipulated that the Lords should be exclusively male and replaced by their sons, her request was granted.
Dancilla Nyirakigwene became famous for her constant striving for justice and equal rights.