Organisational and religious practices of 'Kuomboka kwa likomu' ceremony: the case of Munyama area in Kalabo district, Zambia.
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Date
2019
Authors
Sinjwala, Lungowe
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Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
Kuomboka Kwa Likomu ceremony involves the relocation of herds of cattle from the flooded plains of the Zambezi River to the upper land which is normally dry. Despite having occurred for centuries, the ceremony has not been fully documented. This study aimed at shedding light on the organisation, preparations and religious practices of the ceremony as practiced by the Lozi people of Munyama Area in Kalabo district. Furthermore, the study examined the agreements made between cattle owners and temporal caretakers as well as the changes that have taken place in the ceremony over the years. Data was obtained from a representative sample of 17 purposively selected participants consisting of cattle owners, headmen, cattle herders and women participants. Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect data by way of a voice recorder while the observation checklist was used during participant observation. Data from participants was transcribed and thematic analysis was applied. In relation to organisational aspects, the study established that cattle owners took centre stage while temporal caretakers, family and community members also played vital roles in the preparation and consequently, the execution of the ceremony. The performance of numerous rituals, adherence to stringent taboos and upholding of traditional beliefs related to the ceremony, were among the religious practices prominent in the ceremony. With respect to the agreements, the study found that strict agreements, whose focus lay on the care and safety of cattle, were made between cattle owners and caretakers. Notable changes that have occurred overtime included a shift from whole village to family based relocation of cattle, involvement of temporal caretakers, use of modern musical instruments for entertainment and an all-inclusive participation of women in the ceremony, were among the notable changes. Modernity, the presence of needy Mbunda immigrants in the area as well as gradual shifts from the extended family system to a more nuclear system explained the observed changes. In conclusion, the people showed numerous anxieties and fears about the safety of their cattle as reflected in their undivided veneration of ancestors, upholding of traditional beliefs, adherence to stringent taboos, performance of rituals and the extensive use of traditional medicine to protect cattle during the ceremony. All in all, the ceremony has demonstrated that cattle are a dominant element in the culture of the people of Munyama Area. It is recommended that curriculum developers in religious studies, at different levels of the education system could enrich the curricula in the light of the current findings. Based on the finding that the ceremony carries unique glamour and splendour, it is recommended that it should be popularised in order to attract both local and international cultural exchanges that would eventually benefit the indigenous people of Munyama Area and other places where this annual ceremony is held. Future research direction is recommended.
Key words: Kuomboka Kwa Likomu, Organisation, Rituals, Taboos, Beliefs
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Thesis
Keywords
Kuomboka Kwa Likomu , Organisation--Rituals-- Taboos--Beliefs.