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Inkingi

Ensemble
2020 (designed), 2021 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin


Founded by Moses Turahirwa in 2015, Moshions is a Rwandan fashion house known for re-imagining traditional Rwandan forms and cultural motifs into contemporary pieces. On the origins of the brand Turahirwa remarks, ‘In conceiving Moshions I wanted to pay homage to the incredible cultural aesthetics found in Rwanda and all across the African continent: meticulous craftsmanship, detail and design ken go into all these rich visual statements.’

The Intwari ensemble demonstrates the influence of Imigongo on Turahirwa’s designs. The ensemble, part of Moshion’s unisex ready-to-wear range, comprises a cardigan, belt, tunic top and trousers. The ensemble is almost entirely black, embellished with black and white beadwork on the lapels of the cardigan and black and white embroidery and fringing on the ankle of the trousers. The colour and geometric design of the beadwork and embroidery take inspiration from Imigongo aesthetics, more specifically the Umuraza pattern. Imigongo is a popular artform in Rwanda, made using cow dung. Spiral and geometric designs in black, white and red are traditionally used to decorate walls, pottery and canvas.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 4 parts.

  • Cardigan
  • Belt
  • Top
  • Trousers
TitleInkingi (named collection)
Materials and techniques
Cardigan, machine knitted cotton and glass beads Tunic top and trousers, woven cotton
Brief description
Ensemble, black 'Intwari' cardigan, knitted cotton, glass beads, black cotton top and draw-string trousers, 'Inkingi' collection, designed by Moses Turahirwa for Moshions, Rwanda, Spring/Summer 2020 collection
Physical description
The ensemble comprises a cardigan, belt, tunic top and trousers. The ensemble is almost entirely black, embellished with black and white glass beadwork on the lapels of the cardigan and black and white embroidery and fringing on the ankle of the trousers.
Dimensions
  • Trousers length: 98.5cm (Maximum)
  • Trousers waist measured unstretched circumference: 70cm
  • Cardigan nape to hem length: 77cm (Maximum)
  • Cardigan chest circumference: 116cm (Maximum)
  • Top length: 71cm (Maximum)
  • Top chest circumference: 106cm (Maximum)
Measured by conservation
Gallery label
Based in Kigali, Rwanda, Turahirwa often pays tribute to ceremonial attire historically worn by the country’s royalty, particularly the umushanana. This outfit (T.119-2021) comprises the umukenyero, a wrapper, and the umwitero, a sash draped over the shoulder. Turahirwa references the umwitero in the ‘Intsinzi’ ensemble with a pleated detachable swag on the tunic top. His inspirations also include Imigongo, a popular artform with geometric designs traditionally used to decorate walls, pottery, and canvas. The umuraza pattern is referenced here in the beading on the cardigan (T.120-2021). V&A, Room 40, Africa Fashion (02/07/2022 - 16/04/2023)
Credit line
Purchased with funds from the Sue Smith bequest
Production
Intwari cardigan and the black top and trousers are designed and sold as separates. Put together here by Moshions.
Summary

Founded by Moses Turahirwa in 2015, Moshions is a Rwandan fashion house known for re-imagining traditional Rwandan forms and cultural motifs into contemporary pieces. On the origins of the brand Turahirwa remarks, ‘In conceiving Moshions I wanted to pay homage to the incredible cultural aesthetics found in Rwanda and all across the African continent: meticulous craftsmanship, detail and design ken go into all these rich visual statements.’

The Intwari ensemble demonstrates the influence of Imigongo on Turahirwa’s designs. The ensemble, part of Moshion’s unisex ready-to-wear range, comprises a cardigan, belt, tunic top and trousers. The ensemble is almost entirely black, embellished with black and white beadwork on the lapels of the cardigan and black and white embroidery and fringing on the ankle of the trousers. The colour and geometric design of the beadwork and embroidery take inspiration from Imigongo aesthetics, more specifically the Umuraza pattern. Imigongo is a popular artform in Rwanda, made using cow dung. Spiral and geometric designs in black, white and red are traditionally used to decorate walls, pottery and canvas.
Collection
Accession number
T.120:1to4-2021

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Record createdMay 12, 2021
Record URL
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