A Division Begins In the 18th century, when Rwanda emerged as a powerful and populous nation, its rulers began to measure their power in the number of their cattle The Tutsi were “rich in cattle”. They were the elite and ruling class. On the other hand, the Hutu had less livestock and less power.

A Division Begins The Hutus were the majority – around 84%. But they were considered commoners. The Tutsis were the minority – around 15%. But they were considered the elite, ruling class because of their large estates, large number of servants, and large number of cattle.

Physical Appearance Because the Hutus and Tutsis did not usually intermarry, their offspring began to develop similarities in their features. The Tutsis were often very tall, thin, with narrow features, and fair skin. The Hutus were often shorter, stronger, with broader features, and darker skin