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 hammer with heavy metal head is part of the many blunt weapons used during the massacres. They aim to cause fatal damage to the head and face. Forensic expertise such as the numerous skulls now preserved in the country’s memorials testify to this particular type of attack.
Another cudgel also invented by the killers acquired a sinister reputation during the genocide, to the point of being designated by this explicit nickname: "nta mpongano w'umwanzi' ('no gift for the enemy'). This studded club – which some testimonies report was made by the children – aims to increase the fear of the victims, then their suffering.