Inyambo, which are long-horned royal cows, stand as one of Rwanda’s most distinctive treasures, embodying a legacy deeply intertwined with the country&039;s history and cultural identity.

They are considered Rwanda’s most unique treasure and represent more than just livestock- an enduring symbol of the wisdom of the ancient Rwandan people in selective breeding and their firm pursuit of unique cattle.

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Cross breeding

Known for their large horns and regal presence, the Inyambo were specially bred for royal engagements during ancient times, symbolizing tradition, heritage, and royalty within Rwandan culture.

According to Rutinywa Rugeyo, an expert in Inyambo history and author of the book ‘Pastoral Evolution and the Place of the Inyambo (Inka mu Rwanda n’ikirari cy’inyambo)’, cows in Rwanda were an important pillar of the economy and social structure.

The saying ‘Imana’ (God), ‘Inka’ (cows), and ‘Ingoma’ (drum) was widely respected, representing spiritual, wealth, and cultural values, respectively. Cows symbolized possessions and significance in shaping the nation’s trajectory and values.

Initially, Rwandans had three categories of cows: ‘Inkuku’, ‘Inkungu’, and ‘Inyambo’. However, they made it mandatory to significantly hold the importance of Inyambo to increase their numbers. In this way, every army troop had to have a similar name to that of the herd. Similarly, arms were named, as were the herds. If it’s ‘Uruyange’ for the army, so it is for the cows.

In the traditional cattle breeding practice, three categories - Inkuku, Inyambo, and Inkungu—were distinguished. However, only one category, Inkungu, could emerge from any of the three, regardless of the owner’s preference or intention for its birth.

Their breeding involved unique practices, such as providing them with a special salt-like liquid to ensure the quality of their offspring.

Because they were destined for a special mission in life, the cows’ breeding was special. The breeder in charge had to provide "Amazi ahiye” a sort of salty beverage which ensured that the cows produced calves that looked alike.

Breeders mixed Inkuku with Inyambo bulls, resulting in a hybrid cow known as ‘Ikigarama’. This hybrid would then crossbreed with Inyambo bulls to produce ‘Imirizo’. The offspring from Imirizo cows and Inyambo bulls would again produce ‘Inkerakibumbiro’, which would further mate with Inyambo bulls to eventually give birth to ‘Inyambo z’ingegene’ the purebred Inyambo.

Breeders would selectively retain the finest specimens, ensuring the continual improvement of the Inyambo cattle breed.

Rutinywa explained the inseparable bond between Rwandans and cows, highlighting a particular way they would create or produce what kind of a cow they want. They would train them mentally and physically in their respective herds (Amashyo), specifically targeting a good-looking cow.

To mark the seriousness of the matter, they introduced administration for caring for Inyambo cows, with five leadership levels. The top leader was the King, followed by the army chief, then the Inyambo chief leader, who held similar power to other land chiefs in the country. Next were ‘Umutahira’ and later ‘Abisi b’Inka’.

Only the King and Abisi b’Inka held positions that could not be replaced. A king would be succeeded by another king, while Abisi positions were not changed to avoid confusion about the cows’ origin. They categorized the origin of every cow to prevent unintended mixing.

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Preservation through generations

According to Robert Masozera, Director General of Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy (RCHA), Rwanda’s history saw the disappearance of these fascinating cows, removed from the country and their owners fled to the exile. However, the government initiated their return to Rwanda, particularly to Nyanza palace, formerly the King’s home, to reinstate their cultural significance.

"In 2011, the first herd was brought back and showcased to Rwandans. From there, it boosted tourism at Nyanza palace compared to previous years with their absence,’ he said.

Additionally, they gained attention locally and internationally, after their exhibition at the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources Expo, which eventually, increased their visibility.

"Research into their origins aimed to deepen understanding of their category and the tradition of the Inyambo parade continued up to this day. This, among others, shows the government’s initiative to restore their values,” he noted.

Today, the breeding and grooming of Inyambo is still carried out under the Rwanda Agriculture Board.

How Inyambo are trained?

Under the traditional Rwanda monarchy, Inyambo were stationed in front during important ceremonies in honour of the king and when they were a year old, they were sent to the king’s palace for training by a competent cow keeper.

They were taught to listen to a trainer’s songs "Amahamba” and "Amazina y’inka” and to follow his movements. They would then enact this stately parade during royal ceremonies in which they were decorated with rich jewelry.

Presently, they are also adorned with expensive jewelry and trained to parade in traditional ceremonies, playing a central role in the Rwandan cultural heritage celebrations.