The specificities of the genocide of the Tutsi

This object offers an exemplary illustration of the murderous creativity deployed by the killers. Made in a "artisanal" way, this mallet with heavy metal head is one of the many blunt weapons used during the massacres. They aim to cause fatal injuries to the head and face. Forensic expertise such as the many skulls now preserved in the country’s memorials bear witness to this particular type of attack.
Another club, also invented by the killers, acquired a sinister reputation during the genocide, to the point of being referred to by this explicit nickname: "nta mpongano w'umwanzi' ("no gift for the enemy"). This studded club – which, according to some accounts, was made by children – aims to increase the victims’ fear and then their suffering.