1. Physical Characteristics

The Urutaro is a masterpiece of functional weaving:

• Structure: It is a wide, circular, or slightly oval tray with a shallow rim.

• Materials: It is typically woven from sturdy plant fibers like bamboo strips, reeds, or papyrus.

• Durability: Unlike the delicate Agaseke, the Urutaro is built to be rugged and withstand the weight of heavy grains.

2. Primary Functions

The Urutaro is the “workbench” of the traditional kitchen:

• Winnowing (Guhura): This is its most famous use. Women toss harvested grains (sorghum, millet, or beans) into the air from the tray. The wind blows away the chaff (husks), while the heavier, clean grain falls back onto the Urutaro.

• Drying: It is used to spread out grains or sliced tubers in the sun to remove moisture before they are taken to the Urusyo (grinding stone) to be turned into flour.

• Sorting: It provides a flat surface for picking out small stones or impurities from the harvest before cooking.

3. Cultural & Symbolic Meaning

• The Reward of Hard Work: While tools like the hoe represent the toil of farming, the Urutaro represents the completion of the work. It is associated with the satisfaction of a successful harvest.

• Communal Sharing: During celebrations, a large Urutaro might be used as a communal serving platter for traditional foods like roasted corn or peanuts, symbolizing unity and sharing.

• A Woman’s Expertise: Just as with the Igisabo or Agaseke, the way a woman handled the Urutaro during winnowing—a rhythmic, graceful movement—was often seen as a sign of her capability and domestic skill.

4. Modern Usage

In modern Burundi, the Urutaro is still widely used in rural areas. In the cities, you will see them used:

• In Markets: Vendors use them to display beans, peanuts, and small dried fish (ndagala).

• As Decor: Polished and sometimes painted Intaro are used as wall hangings in homes and hotels to add a rustic, traditional touch.