BUJUMBURA, March 26th (ABP) – The transformation of cow horns into objects of art and decoration can contribute to the empowerment of women and young people in Burundi.
According to Eliane Bukuru, a young artist who makes handicrafts from cow horns, that activity could enable them to become financially independent and actively participate in the development of their community and the country.
In an interview with ABP on Wednesday 19 March 2025, Mrs. Bukuru told us that she started making products from cow horns in February 2023, after attending a paid training course organised by the “Dushaze mw’ihembe” association working in Kayanza province.
After that training, she said, she decided to set up in the place called ” Kumashurwe ” in Bujumbura town hall, to sell her handicrafts.
“It’s a meticulous and fascinating job, and I’m happy to be able to contribute to the promotion of our cultural heritage”, she said.
Using cow horns, she makes various models of traditional accessories, such as vases, coasters, plates, candle holders, bracelets, earrings, rings, key rings, bottle openers and so on. A keyring costs 5,000 BIF, earrings 15,000 BIF, small bracelets 10,000 BIF and vases, plates and coasters 15,000 BIF.
According to Mrs. Bukuru, making those products is also a way of supporting local crafts and promoting Burundian culture.
According to her, her art enables her to generate income and meet her household expenses, invest in her children’s education and feel more independent. “Before I took up my profession, I was entirely dependent on my husband for my needs.
Mrs. Bukuru also indicated that she has several customers and even receives orders from outside the country. She also takes part in fairs and festivals to promote her products at cultural events.
She appealed to Burundian women in general, and women entrepreneurs in particular, to set up their own small projects to support their families.