Rwanda | Actively Pursuing UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Listing for Inigongo and Umuganura

Rwanda is actively pursuing UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage listing for Inigongo (traditional cow dung art) and Umugamura (national harvest festival) to preserve its heritage and boost cultural tourism.  

As of March 2026, Inigongo is in the advanced registration stages, while dossiers are being prepared for Umugumura, following the 2024 inscription of the Intore dance. 

The bid is intended to preserve the practices and raise their international profile and UNESCO Inscription would support safeguard and skills transmission, while drawing attention to community - based cultural experiences that complement Rwanda’s established wildlife offer. Increased visibility could also strengthen cultural tourism and dispersal of visitor spend across regions linked to these traditions. 

Key Details on the Listing Efforts: 

•    Iningongo (Decorative Art): Including in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list a traditional, unique Rwandan art form dating back to the 18th century, characterized by raised, geometric, and spiral patterns made from cow dung. Traditionally created by women on interior walls, it uses cow dung mixed with ash to create textured, painted and dried relief art.. UNESCO has supported workshops to boost local capacity for the nomination dossier. 
•    Umugamura (Harvest Festival): This annual, historic festival celebrated on the first Friday of August to honour harvest, agriculture, and national achievements. This event rooted in an 11th century tradition symbolizes gratitude, unity and self - reliance and it was historically a feast for the first fruits of the harvest. 
•    Strategic Goal: The initiative aims to safeguard these traditions for future generations and promote cultural tourism beyond Rwanda’s wildlife offerings. 
•    Progress: Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy noted that these efforts follow the successful 2024 inscription of the Intore dance, one of Rwanda’s most respected art forms, telling stories of bravery, honour and strength, characterized by its dynamic and energetic movements accompanied by music and singing. 

The move strengthens the nation’s efforts to increase the global visibility of its unique cultural practices boasting a relevant history and value.  

Link 
https://atta.travel/resource/rwanda-seeks-unesco-listing-for-imigongo-and-umuganura.html