Mel Crawford (Canadian, B. 1925) "Rwanda" Signed lower left. Original Oil painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting originally appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover of the U.N. 15c Rwanda Flags of the U.N. Series stamp issued September 26, 1980. Sometimes called the African Switzerland, Rwanda is a land of beautiful lakes, deep valleys and magnificent snow-capped mountains. A country of a thousand hills with a mean altitude of 5,250 feet, it is also the land of perpetual spring despite the fact that it lies only seventy-five miles south of the equator. The high, level plateaus of Rwanda keep the climate cool and pleasant throughout the year. Twenty-three crystal-clear lakes and two national parks are the pride of the native people. In Akagera National Park, lions, buffalo, zebra and antelope roam freely in the beauty of their natural surroundings, while Volcanoes National Park is the home of the mountain gorilla. In the Mutara Hunting Grounds, all species of game abound. Rwanda is bordered on the northwest by a range of volcanoes and some of its many rivers constitute the source of the Nile. Located in the heart of Africa, in the great African rift, this tiny country is one of the most crowded on the continent, with more than four million people on only 10,170 square miles. The natives are eighty-five percent Bahutu and fifteen percent Watusi. The Bahutu are farmers who raise only enough food to feed their families. The Watusi are known for their great height and skillful dancing. They raise cattle for almost all their food and other needs. Even today, the people of Rwanda maintain their tribal traditions, with kinship and regional loyalties taking high priorities. About half practice tribal religions; the other half are Christians. Image Size: 14.5 x 11.75 in. Overall Size: 17.25 x 15 in. Unframed. (B05749)