Karyenda
When Burundi gained independence from Belgium in 1962, the karyenda was the symbol on the national flag and its coat of arms from 1962 to 1966.Traditionally the most important folk songs and dances were performed to extol the virtues of the kingship.The beating of the drums also signalled certain rites, such as when the mwami rose in the morning or retired in the evening.These were a tight network of high places, as well as centres of political and religious power in pre-colonial Burundi.The sanctuaries were guarded mainly by Hutu families, who were the only ones the king allowed to manufacture, play, and keep the drums or bring them to court for an occasion.
