A Visual Tribute to Resilience and Cultural Legacy

In Master Weavers, African artist and photographer Mucyo H. B. Gasana, based in Nairobi, Kenya, embarks on a profound visual exploration of Africa’s weaving heritage. Renowned for his ability to capture the quiet beauty of everyday life, Mucyo’s photography reflects a deep sensitivity to rhythm, light and truth—echoing Henri Cartier-Bresson’s notion of “the decisive moment.” His images move beyond documentation, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary through masterful composition and an almost poetic use of timing.

Published by MHBG Creative Ltd., a youth-led publishing house in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, Master Weavers exemplifies Mucyo’s storytelling prowess and his dedication to celebrating Africa’s artistic and cultural richness.

At its heart, the photobook honours the ancient Rwandan tradition of weaving, a practice steeped in history and passed down through generations. Through striking black-and-white imagery and evocative writing, Mucyo introduces readers to independent women weavers from across Rwanda. Their stories of perseverance, artistry and hope unfold through his lens, accompanied by deeply moving texts and poetry from Martina Gasana and Natasha Muhoza, whose words add layers of meaning and emotion to each portrait.

Shot entirely on Ilford HP5 120 film, the photographs possess a timeless quality that recalls the golden age of documentary photography. The choice of medium-format film enhances the intimacy of each image, capturing the fine textures of the weavers’ faces and hands—maps of experience that bear witness to craft and creativity. Rendered in black and white, the images focus attention on form, texture and emotion, evoking both nostalgia and reverence.

The book’s design and sequencing lead readers through a carefully considered visual journey—moving from landscapes to studios to personal portraits. Each photograph is paired with a short introduction that contextualises the weaver’s story, inviting readers into a more personal understanding of her world. The woven textiles that appear throughout the book serve as a recurring motif, symbolically uniting the beauty of the Rwandan landscape with the artistry of human hands.

Beyond its aesthetic accomplishment, Master Weavers engages in a deeper cultural and social dialogue. In Rwanda, weaving extends far beyond economic sustenance, it represents empowerment, pride and community. For many of the women featured, weaving is both livelihood and legacy: a practice through which they assert identity and sustain tradition. Mucyo’s visual storytelling captures this intersection of heritage and modernity, offering an eloquent reflection on resilience and the transformative power of craft.

Every detail of the book’s production—from its high-quality printing by DG3 Leycol to the choice of materials—demonstrates exceptional care, ensuring that the tactile experience mirrors the artistry of its subjects.

Ultimately, Master Weavers transcends the boundaries of a conventional photobook. It stands as a celebration of creativity, endurance and cultural memory. Mucyo’s photographic vision and narrative approach elevate weaving from craft to art form, creating a work that resonates across borders. As readers turn each page, they are reminded of the enduring capacity of art to preserve heritage and amplify voices too often overlooked.

Master Weavers is not only a tribute to the vibrancy of African culture, but also a call to value and protect its creative traditions for generations to come.

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Discover the Book

Master Weavers is available through MHBG Creative Ltd. For readers interested in photography, African art or women’s cultural narratives, this photobook offers an inspiring and visually stunning addition to any collection.

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