Umutomboko ceremony is an important cultural event held annually by the Lunda people in the Northern Province of Zambia. It is a celebration of the Lunda Kingdom’s history and traditions and is considered one of the largest and most significant cultural events in the country.
Table of Contents;-
- Duration and Timing
- Key Aspects of the Umutomboko Ceremony
- Sequence of Events for the Ceremony
- King`s Dance and climax of Ceremony
- Rituals and Activities
- Royal Procession
- The Ngu`mbe Dance
- Cultural Exibitions
- Travel Tips for the Umutomboko Ceremony
- Conclusion
DURATION AND TIMING
It is held annually in Mwansabombwe district, Mwata Kazembe’s headquarters. The ceremony typically takes place over 2 days, usually in July on the last Saturday of July.
It is a spectacular event that is attended by different people from all walks of life; foreign and local tourists alike as well as dignitaries from both within and outside the country.
The passionate dance of conquest performed by His Royal Highness Mwata Kazembe portrays the history and cultural heritage of the Lunda Kingdom.
During the Umutomboko ceremony, the reigning Mwata Kazembe who is the chief of Umutomboko plays a central role. He is dressed in traditional regalia and performs various rituals and dances to symbolize his power and authority.
The ceremony also features a grand procession with traditional warriors and dignitaries, accompanied by the beating of drums and blowing of horns.
KEY ASPECTS OF THE UMUTOMBOKO CEREMONY
Significance: The Umutomboko ceremony marks the initiation and installation of a new Mwata Kazembe (Lunda king).
Umutomboko means a dance of victory or dance of conquest. When elaborating the origin and importance of Umutomboko, one ought to link this important ceremony with days when the Lunda crossed the Luapula River into Zambia, fighting their way through and in the process conquering weaker and smaller tribes.
The Lunda crossed the Luapula River into Zambia near chief Matanda’s village of Mansa district. They eventually settled at Mwansabombwe in Luapula Province, to this day, Mwansabombwe remains the Lunda capital and that is where the king’s palace is located.
During inter – tribal wars, the Lunda won many battles and naturally, that called for great joy and excitement.
Dances of victory were performed and songs of jubilation were sung, the Umutomboko formed the climax of the day when the chief dressed in traditional regalia danced to the beating of traditional drums.
Much as Umutomboko seems to highlight only their war endeavors, it also exhibits other cultural heritages and traditions of the Lunda Kingdom. The ceremony is not only paraded at Mwansabombwe but similar localized celebrations take place in other chiefdoms selected by Mwata.
He occasionally performs dances in selected districts throughout his domain. By performing the dance of conquest in these areas, Mwata seeks to re-assert his authority, rule and clear any doubts about it in the minds of the tribes he defeated.
Aside from symbolizing conquest, Umutomboko is sometimes also viewed as Mwata’s harvest period for it is during this time that he receives ‘Title’ or gifts from his subjects. It is also the time of reckoning for erring chiefs and village headmen who appear before Mwata for disciplinary action.
SEQUENCE OF EVENTS FOR THE CEREMONY
On Friday The First Day
On Friday morning , his royal highness the King Mwata Kazembe is expected to perform the Mutentamo Ceremony. It is a ritual where the king goes to pay homage to the spirit of his ancestors. It is normally done in the palace grounds but sometimes it is done at a place called Kumpembwe.
Along the way, the king walks a considerable distance as he is treated to jubilation and applause from the crowd following him. It’s a good opportunity for people to interact with Mwata Kazembe as he goes about performing rituals at different shrines amidst gun shots.
On this first day of the ceremony, a lot of activities take place such as different performances by musicians, companies get to showcase their products and services and the King receives various gifts from different people and organizations.
Various Traditional dance groups perform songs and dances before the arrival of Mwata to install new chiefs. The king is entertained by agile dancers before he can perform his duties.
The new chiefs are presented before the king so that he can bless them.
The people show approval of the appointments of chiefs by giving them money and other gifts. They receive guidance individually before they can be crowned chiefs. A young boy from the royal family dances for them. As per the tradition, gunshots are fired to signify the importance of the occasion.
Mwata Kazembe then rises and dances to assert his power, he addresses the chiefs offering them guidance. He then gives each one a gift and leaves.
On Saturday the Second and Main Event
Saturday is the main event and is packed with activities as the Umutomboko unfolds. The king has special shrines he has to visit before performing Umutomboko and people gather very early to accompany him. He goes Crawling into a shrine called Nakabutula.
Only special people are allowed in. He sits cross-legged on a bamboo mat as he listens to the caretaker of the shrine. The Lunda grave keeper gives Mwata a white dry powder called Impemba to smear on his body.
A large crowd awaits for him and shots are fired as he walks to a river where he utters incantations and pours foodstuffs like cooked beef, roasted groundnuts and drink into a river (Lualaba).
The Lualaba river is where two royal brothers (Chinyanta and Kasombola) drowned. The chanting of incantations blesses them in the afterlife and the food and drinks are for their convenience.
Having performed his royal duties, he is carried back to the palace on a Muselo carriage shoulder-high by 8 people through the village while being followed by a large crowd jubilating and ululating.
Performances of every sought take place through the day until the afternoon.
Saturday afternoon, drumming and gun fire rock the palace as Mwata readies to do the mutomboko. Mata Kazembe first beats the royal drums before mounting the Machila to be triumphantly carried to the main arena.
Once he gets to the main arena, he dances by way of shaking and moving the body from side to side while still carried high on the Muselo, then he beats the royal drums once again before retiring to his throne. One of the elders smeared in the white powder (Impemba) then sings praises to the King.
Then the king is addressed by the dignitaries and government officials present. After that Mwata Kazembe is entertained by various dances such as the Chilumwalumwa dance, Ichakubasha dance and the amazing Chinkwasa dance.
A number of the royal family such as the queen, Princes Princess and Royal Elder men also perform dances to the delight of the people.
Finally it is time for Mwata Kazembe to perform the Umutomboko dance.
KING`S DANCE AND CLIMAX OF CEREMONY
On the second day of the ceremony is when the king dances, He dances dressed in vivid coloured royal regalia called Mukonzo. Holding an axe in one hand and a sword in another, the king dances as one person holds a piece of his clothing in the back while he emulates the king’s dance moves.
Mwata Kazembe rises to the loud applause to take part in the dancing. Equipped with Mbafi (axe) and Mpoko (sword) he magnificently ventures into the arena and to the beat of the drums, he dances Umutomboko.
The Mwata Kazembe then dances with coordinated dance moves facing each of the directions namely, the North, South, East and West, then finally he points his sword to the ground and scoops sand to mean only death again can defeat him, as he scoops the sand up towards heaven using his sword, it symbolizes that only God can defeat him.
The dance by the Mata Kazembe is the climax of the ceremony and is what is called umutomboko. After the dance the king is carried off to his palace on a carriage called Muselo by 8 men and the ceremony is over. That is why the king dances late in the afternoon on the second day to wind up the ceremony .
RITUALS AND ACTIVITIES
The Umutomboko ceremony involves various rituals, dances, and performances that showcase Lunda traditions and customs.
These may include the Ngomalume dance, which is performed exclusively by men, and the Chipele dance, performed by women. The dances are accompanied by rhythmic drumming and chanting.
One Such Ritual is Throwing of Foodstuffs into a River:
The Mwata Kazembe (paramount chief) of the Lunda people utters incantations and pours foodstuffs like cooked beef, roasted groundnuts and drink into a river (Lualaba).
The Lualaba river is where two royal brothers (Chinyanta and Kasombola) drowned. The chanting of incantations blesses them in the afterlife and the food and drinks are for their convenience.
ROYAL PROCESSION
One of the highlights of the Umutomboko ceremony is the royal procession led by Mwata Kazembe. Dressed in traditional regalia, the king and his entourage parade through the streets of Mwansabombwe, the capital of the Lunda kingdom.
This procession symbolizes the king’s authority and is a moment of pride and admiration for the Lunda people.
Key Aspects of the Royal Procession
Enthronement and Coronation: The Royal Procession is led by the Mwata Kazembe, who is the traditional ruler of the Lunda people.
The Umutomboko ceremony marks the initiation and installation of a new Mwata Kazembe. The procession serves as a public display of the king’s authority and reaffirms his role as the custodian of Lunda traditions and customs.
Regal Attire: The Mwata Kazembe and his entourage are dressed in traditional regalia during the procession.
The king’s attire typically includes elaborate ceremonial robes, headdresses adorned with feathers, and ornaments symbolizing his status and power. The regal attire reflects the cultural heritage and symbols of the Lunda kingdom.
Parade Route: The procession usually takes place in the capital of the Lunda kingdom, Mwansabombwe. The exact route may vary depending on the specific arrangements made by the reigning Mwata Kazembe.
The procession may pass through the streets of the town, allowing community members and visitors to witness and participate in the celebration.
Cultural Performances: The Royal Procession is often accompanied by cultural performances, including traditional dances, music, and chanting. These performances add to the festive atmosphere and showcase the artistic talents and cultural richness of the Lunda people.
The rhythmic drumming and vibrant displays create an engaging and lively ambiance during the procession.
Community Participation: The Mwata Kazembe Royal Procession is not only a symbolic display of the king’s authority but also an opportunity for the Lunda community to come together and celebrate their cultural heritage.
Community members, dignitaries, and visitors may join the procession, expressing their respect and support for the Mwata Kazembe and their pride in Lunda traditions.
The Mwata Kazembe Royal Procession is a captivating and significant aspect of the Umutomboko ceremony. It showcases the cultural pride, history, and unity of the Lunda people, and provides a unique opportunity to experience and appreciate the rich traditions of Zambia’s diverse cultural landscape.
THE NG`UMBE DANCE
One of the highlights of the Umutomboko ceremony is the Ngoma Ng’umbe dance. This dance is performed by male warriors who showcase their strength and agility while wearing colorful traditional attire and carrying spears and shields. The dance is accompanied by energetic drumming and chanting.
The Ngoma Ng’umbe dance, also known as the Ngoma dance, is a traditional dance performed by the Bemba people of Zambia. It is a significant cultural expression that showcases the rich heritage and traditions of the Bemba community.
The Ngoma Ng’umbe dance is often performed during important ceremonies and celebrations, such as weddings, initiations, and community gatherings.
Here are some key features and aspects of the Ngoma Ng’umbe dance:-
Meaning and Symbolism: The Ngoma Ng’umbe dance holds cultural and symbolic significance for the Bemba people. It is believed to connect the living with their ancestors and the spiritual realm.
The dance is often performed to celebrate and honor the achievements of individuals, commemorate historical events, or seek blessings for important occasions.
Rhythm and Musical Instruments: The dance is accompanied by rhythmic drumming and traditional musical instruments, creating a lively and energetic atmosphere. The primary instrument used in the Ngoma Ng’umbe dance is the ng’umbe, which is a large drum made from a hollowed-out tree trunk.
The beats of the drum set the tempo for the dance and guide the dancers’ movements.
Dance Movements and Costumes: The Ngoma Ng’umbe dance involves synchronized movements performed by a group of dancers. The dancers often form a circular or semi-circular formation, moving in unison to the rhythm of the drums.
The dance is characterized by energetic footwork, rhythmic clapping, and expressive arm and body movements. The dancers wear traditional attire, which may include colorful clothing, beaded jewelry, and feathers, adding to the visual spectacle of the performance.
Cultural Preservation and Community Bonding: The Ngoma Ng’umbe dance is not only a form of artistic expression but also serves as a means of preserving Bemba cultural heritage and fostering community cohesion.
It is passed down through generations, with younger members learning the dance from older, experienced dancers.
The dance creates a sense of unity and pride within the Bemba community, reinforcing their cultural identity and values.
The Ngoma Ng’umbe dance is a vibrant and captivating display of Bemba culture, reflecting the history, beliefs, and traditions of the Bemba people. It is often performed during cultural festivals and events, providing a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of Zambia.
The Umutomboko ceremony is not only a celebration of the Lunda Kingdom but also serves as a way to pass down the culture, traditions, and history of the Lunda people to younger generations.
It provides an opportunity for community members to come together, reconnect with their heritage, and reinforce their cultural identity.
CULTURAL EXHIBITIONS:
During the Umutomboko ceremony, there are often exhibitions and displays of Lunda cultural artifacts, crafts, and traditional practices. Visitors have the opportunity to learn about Lunda history, arts, and craftsmanship.
During the Umutomboko ceremony, cultural exhibitions play a vital role in showcasing the traditions, artifacts, and customs of the Lunda people.
These exhibitions provide a platform for the community to display and share their cultural heritage with visitors, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Lunda traditions.
Here are some aspects of the cultural exhibitions that take place during the Umutomboko ceremony:
Traditional Crafts: The cultural exhibitions often feature traditional crafts, showcasing the skills and craftsmanship of the Lunda people. Visitors may have the opportunity to see and purchase handmade items such as woven baskets, pottery, beadwork, wood carvings, and traditional clothing.
These crafts are not only beautiful but also reflect the cultural aesthetics and techniques passed down through generations.
Artifacts and Historical Displays: Historical displays are an essential part of the cultural exhibitions. These exhibits may include artifacts, tools, and objects of historical significance that offer insights into Lunda history, traditions, and daily life.
This could include items like traditional weapons, musical instruments, jewelry, and clothing worn by the Lunda people.
Traditional Food and Cuisine: Cultural exhibitions during the Umutomboko ceremony often include food stalls or areas where traditional Lunda cuisine is showcased.
Visitors can taste and experience traditional dishes, such as nshima (a staple food made from maize meal), various meat and fish dishes, indigenous vegetables, and traditional beverages. It provides an opportunity to savor the flavors and culinary heritage of the Lunda people.
Cultural Performances: Alongside the exhibitions, cultural performances are also featured, providing entertainment and a deeper understanding of Lunda traditions. These performances may include traditional dances such as the Chilumwalumwa dance, Ichakubasha dance and the amazing Chinkwasa dance, music, storytelling, and poetry recitals.
Each performance holds cultural significance, conveying important messages, historical events, or moral teachings.
Workshops and Demonstrations: Some cultural exhibitions may offer workshops or demonstrations where visitors can engage with the Lunda people and learn about their traditional practices.
These workshops could involve traditional craft-making demonstrations, traditional dance or drumming lessons, or even cultural rituals and ceremonies.
Cultural exhibitions during the Umutomboko ceremony provide a platform for the Lunda people to preserve and share their cultural heritage with the wider community.
It allows visitors to immerse themselves in Lunda traditions, learn about their history, and appreciate the unique customs and artistic expressions of the Lunda people.
Travel Tips for the Umutomboko Ceremony
If you plan to attend the Umutomboko ceremony, here are some travel tips to help you make the most of your experience:
Research and plan ahead: Learn about the Umutomboko ceremony, its significance, and the specific dates it will be held. It’s important to have accurate information to ensure you arrive at the right time.
Obtain necessary permits and visas: Check if you need any special permits or visas to visit Zambia. Contact the Zambian embassy or consulate in your country to inquire about the requirements and obtain the necessary documents.
Arrange transportation and Accomodation: Plan your travel to Mwansabombwe in advance. You can fly to Zambia and then arrange for ground transportation to the town. Consider booking flights and accommodations well in advance to secure the best options.
There are no fancy hotels in Mwansabombwe so make sure to arrange for your accomodations. Tents are an ideal option or you can use your cars for lodging. Even the scarce accomodation available here is fully booked this time of year.
Dress appropriately: The Umutomboko ceremony is a cultural event, so it’s respectful to dress in traditional attire if possible. Otherwise, wear modest clothing that is appropriate for the occasion. It’s also a good idea to bring comfortable walking shoes, as you may be on your feet for long periods.
Respect local customs and traditions: Familiarize yourself with the customs and traditions of the Lunda people and respect their cultural practices during the ceremony. Seek permission before taking photographs or videos, and always be courteous and considerate to the locals.
Stay hydrated and take care of your health: Zambia can have hot weather, so make sure to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent to protect yourself from the sun and insects. If you have any health concerns, consult a healthcare professional before traveling.
Engage with the community: The Umutomboko ceremony is a community celebration, so take the opportunity to interact with the locals, learn about their traditions, and participate in the festivities. Engaging with the community will enrich your experience and foster cultural exchange.
Be mindful of safety: Like any travel destination, it’s important to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions. Keep your valuables secure, avoid walking alone at night, and follow any safety advice or guidelines provided by local authorities or your accommodation.
Learn basic greetings and phrases: It’s always appreciated when visitors make an effort to learn a few basic greetings and phrases in the local language. This can help you connect with the locals and show respect for their culture.
Enjoy the experience: The Umutomboko ceremony is a unique cultural event that offers an opportunity to witness the rich traditions of the Lunda people. Immerse yourself in the celebrations, enjoy the music and dance performances, and create lasting memories of your time in Mwansabombwe.
CONCLUSION
The Umutomboko ceremony is not only a cultural event but also serves as a platform to foster unity, preserve Lunda heritage, and promote tourism in the region. It attracts both local and international visitors who are interested in experiencing and learning about Zambia’s rich cultural diversity.