The Legacy of Princess Nyirarucyaba, Rwanda’s first daughter and pioneer of cattle domestication

You’ve probably come across stories of a mythical Rwandan woman who introduced cows to the Kingdom of Rwanda. However, this tale isn’t about myth, but about a real Rwandan princess, whose presence still echoes on Mount Kabuye, where she dug Iriba rya Nyirarucyaba—the Well of Nyirarucyaba—to water her cattle. Princess Nyirarucyaba was the firstborn of Rwanda's founding father, Gihanga, and her mother was Nyamususa, daughter of Jeni. Oral history does not provide her childhood name; she is known by the name she received after becoming a mother. In ancient Rwanda, women were given the prefix Nyira once they bore children. Thus, Nyirarucyaba earned her name after giving birth to her first son, Rucyaba. This tradition is mirrored in names like Nyirayuhi, Nyiraruganzu, and Nyiragahima, all women named after their sons. The tale of her conception is chronicled in the story of Gihanga’s hidden love affair with her mother Nyamususa while he served Jeni in Rurenge. After impregnating Nyamususa, Gihanga left for Buhanga. Nyamususa, pregnant with the future princess, followed him there, where Nyirarucyaba was born. She was said to be Gihanga's only daughter. Oral history recalls a servant of Gihanga named Gahu, who may have been his cousin. Gahu and Nyirarucyaba engaged in a secret relationship, resulting in her pregnancy. Fearing Gihanga's wrath, Gahu fled to the Kabuye forest, seeking solitude. One day, a confrontation arose between Nyamususa and Gihanga’s other wife, Nyirampirangwe, over an antelope skin Gihanga had brought home. The argument turned violent, and when Nyirampirangwe began beating Nyamususa, Nyirarucyaba intervened, striking her stepmother with a nearby object. Nyirampirangwe died shortly after, and a caesarean was performed to save her unborn child—a boy named Gafomo, meaning sectioned-out, due to his unusual birth. Fearing retribution for Nyirampirangwe’s death, Nyirarucyaba fled Buhanga, eventually finding refuge with Gahu in the Kabuye forest. Some versions of the story suggest Gahu was unknown to Nyirarucyaba, but oral tradition is clear that Gahu was familiar to her. He left Buhanga fearing punishment for impregnating the only daughter of Gihanga. A myth persists that Nyirarucyaba was married off by her father to a prince from the Abazigaba, but this is the same false narrative perpetuated by colonial scholars who sought to divide Ibimanuka (heavenly beings) from Abasangwabutaka (those who inhabit the earth). The truth is that Gahu’s descendants, the Abazigaba, are named in reference to him. There were no Abazigaba before Nyirarucyaba’s time. Princess Nyirarucyaba and Gahu lived together in the forest, raising their children, including their first son, Rucyaba, followed by other sons Kanage, Karashi, Karandura, and Kabuguma. Nyirarucyaba and the introduction of cows Various stories about how Nyirarucyaba discovered cows exist, but many are likely fabrications. The prevailing truth is that Princess Nyirarucyaba was instrumental in introducing cattle domestication in Rwanda. Without her determination, cows might still roam as wild animals today. One morning, Nyirarucyaba noticed large animals with imposing horns grazing nearby. She observed them over several days, devising ways to approach them. With persistence, the animals grew accustomed to her presence. Eventually, they allowed her to milk them, marking the beginning of cattle domestication in Rwanda. Meanwhile, Gihanga, who had relocated to Nyamirembe, fell seriously ill. When word of his illness reached Nyirarucyaba, she was heartbroken and resolved to help him. She travelled from Mount Kabuye to Nyamirembe with jugs of milk. After consuming the milk, Gihanga’s health improved and he made a full recovery. Upon learning that his daughter’s milk had saved him, Gihanga forgave Gahu for impregnating Nyirarucyaba. He instructed her to relay his forgiveness to Gahu and requested that Gahu send him the cows. Grateful for the pardon, Gahu complied, gifting cows to Gihanga, earning the name Kazigaba, meaning one who gives cows. In recognition of his daughter's role in his recovery, Gihanga decreed that Nyirarucyaba would be reinstated in the palace as a queen, alongside her brothers. Her lineage was to inherit this privilege, and her name would pass down through her children. Nyirarucyaba’s Lasting Legacy From that time onward, every coronation in Rwanda included the crowning of an Umucyaba, a descendant of Nyirarucyaba. The last known Bacyaba to be crowned alongside Rwandan kings were Mbonigaba, during the reign of King Mibambwe IV Rutarindwa, and Rwandekwe, crowned alongside Yuhi V Musinga. Thus, the story of Princess Nyirarucyaba—Gihanga's only daughter—will be forever remembered for her pivotal role in enriching the Kingdom of Rwanda through the domestication of cows. Have you ever heard about Rwanda’s most beautiful woman? While many might say it was Bwiza bwa Mashira, another striking woman, often overlooked, is Kalira, the wife of King Cyirima II Rujugira. Her story will be the subject of our next article. Until then, stay blessed.

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The Legacy of Princess Nyirarucyaba, Rwanda’s first daughter and pioneer of cattle domestication