Cultural tourism in Zambia: a case study of Umutomboko traditional ceremony, 1961-2017.
Date
2023
Authors
Mwiinga, Caroline
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
This study discusses cultural tourism in Zambia with Umutomboko traditional ceremony as a
case study. Utilising both primary and secondary sources of information as well as analysing
data qualitatively, the study examines the genesis of the concept of Umutomboko ceremony,
explores the development and transformations that the ceremony underwent between 1961
and 2017 and also assesses the socio-economic effects of the ceremony. In explaining the
transformation of the Umutomboko ceremony, the development of cultural tourism in Zambia
is discussed. The study also discusses the political influence which various governments have
had on the transformation of Umutomboko from 1961 to 2017. In its original concept, the
Umutomboko ceremony was, before 1961, a local affair of the Lunda Royal household. The
Umutomboko ceremony was only celebrated on special occasions such as when a prince or
princess was born, when making human sacrifice (before it was abolished) and when
installing a new king. The celebration of Umutomboko ceremony changed from being a local
affair in 1971 and became an affair of the nation under different influential political leaders.
The study demonstrates how each time Mwata Kazembe performed rituals and other
processions prior to the Umutomboko celebrations, during the event and up to the end of the
celebration. The study also shows that the event was transformed and became a tourist
attraction, a business avenue, a tool for rural development and employment. The event also
sold Zambia to the world and offered an advertisement opportunity for various companies.
The event did not hold without having an impact on the local and visiting people. The positive
social impact of Umutomboko were socialisation, learning, community engagement and
building and cultural exploration. Some negative social effects discussed are exposure to bad
vices, overcrowding, inadequate accommodation facilities and increase in the rate of crime.
What started as an ordinary cultural celebration of the Lunda speaking people of Mwata
Kazembe in the Luapula Province in 1961 later grew and was transformed from 1971 into a
tourist attraction of national and international significance with both positive and negative
effects.
Description
Master of Arts in History
Keywords
Cultural tourism--Zambia. , Tourism in Zambia. , Traditional ceremonies--Zambia.