The Mutomboko Traditional Ceremony is a revered cultural event deeply rooted in the traditions of the Lunda-speaking people of Mwansabombwe District, Zambia. Annually it unfolds as a captivating tapestry of history, culture, and community. This spectacle, held with great significance, draws a diverse gathering of dignitaries, notably including chiefs and government representatives.
To truly appreciate the significance of the Mutomboko ceremony, one must delve into the historical journey of the Lunda people. Originating from the Kola region in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Lunda embarked on a migration that led them across the Luapula River into Zambia. This migration, marked by numerous battles and conquests, birthed the Mutomboko dance, a symbol of victory and triumph.
The dance, performed by the Mwata adorned in traditional regalia, is accompanied by the rhythmic beating of traditional drums known as Ichinkumbi. It is a testament to the Lunda people’s resilience and their ability to overcome adversity. The Mutomboko ceremony is not merely a cultural performance; it is a sacred ritual that pays homage to ancestral spirits and reinforces the Lunda people’s cultural identity.
Preserving Heritage, Promoting Tourism
The objectives of the Mutomboko Traditional Ceremony extend beyond cultural preservation. It aims to leverage the event to enhance cultural tourism in Mwansabombwe District and its surrounding areas, contributing to the local economy. By strengthening the cultural identity of the Lunda people and engaging traditional leaders and community members in cultural preservation efforts, the ceremony plays a vital role in safeguarding Zambia’s rich cultural heritage.
Rituals and Significance
The Mutomboko ceremony encompasses a series of rituals and activities that are deeply intertwined with the Lunda people’s beliefs and traditions. One such ritual involves a visit to Mpembwe, a sacred site associated with the Lunda’s history. Villagers from various regions bring traditional beer and seasonal seeds as offerings to the ancestral spirits.
Another significant aspect of the ceremony is the installation of sub-chiefs, known as Mutentamo. This event, held under the Miyombo trees, involves the appointment of royal family members or important councilors to hereditary positions. The Mwata, in his role as the supreme leader, imparts wisdom and guidance to the newly appointed chiefs and headmen, emphasizing their responsibilities to the community.
The culmination of the Mutomboko ceremony is the iconic dance of conquest performed by the Mwata himself. Adorned in traditional attire and armed with the Mpoko sword, the Mwata’s dance symbolizes the Lunda people’s victory over adversity and their unwavering commitment to their cultural heritage.
A Catalyst for Economic Growth
The Mutomboko Traditional Ceremony holds immense potential to contribute to Zambia’s economic growth. By attracting tourists from around the world, the event can generate revenue for local businesses and communities. The development of tourism infrastructure, such as accommodation facilities and transportation services, can further stimulate economic activity in the region.
However, to fully realize the economic benefits of the Mutomboko ceremony, concerted efforts are needed to promote the event effectively. By enhancing marketing and publicity campaigns, the government and local authorities can attract a wider audience and generate greater interest in the ceremony. Additionally, investing in the preservation and restoration of cultural sites and heritage buildings can further enrich the visitor experience.
Ceremonial Activities
These include a visit to Mpembwe and installation of sub-chiefs. On this day, in the morning, the Mwata will visit Mpembwe to honor the ancestral spirits. Some activities during this visit are reserved for individuals of special status and are not meant for the general public. As he leads his subjects and welcome both local and international visitors, the Mwata thanks the villagers for maintaining the Impembwe heritage, which is essential to the Mutomboko celebration.
Before this visit, villagers from various regions bring traditional beer and seasonal seeds that had been specially prepared for the Impembwe ceremony.
Mpembwe is an elongated trench that served as a hidden refuge during times of war. Its location was kept secret, known only to a few individuals closely connected to the Mwata and the throne. The trench stretches 56 kilometers in length. The name was never spoken by the general public, and access to this site was strictly limited to the Mwata and his trusted advisors.
In fact, the Mwata would only visit this location in urgent situations, such as when he received reports of intruders in the Kingdom or threats to his life or throne. Upon receiving such information, the Mwata would carefully assess its credibility before acting. Once he was convinced of the validity of the claims, he would retreat to the safety of Mpembwe ya Keleka.
During that time, the presence of people living in this area was kept hidden due to its remote location in the wilderness. Although it was close to the main road, those nearby often appeared to be simple passersby carrying small packages, as if they were just taking a break, in order to mislead any curious observers.
Food and Drink Sacrifices
On the morning of Mutomboko, all sixteen sections of Mwansabombwe village bring locally brewed beer called “Katata” to the palace. Women and girls carry this brew on their heads, singing, dancing, and ululating as they entered the palace. The local brew is brought to the palace for safekeeping to protect it from anyone who might wish to poison it, as it is intended for visitors and those who could not afford their own beer during the event. However, the beer is only served upon request, and only after Mwata returned from the Ng’ona River.
Various foodstuffs, such as meat, chicken, beans, and fish, can also be brought to the palace. These offerings are later thrown into the Ng’ona River as a sacrifice to the two royal brothers, Chinyanta and his brother Kasombole. The shrine for the two brothers was situated by the Ng’ona River near the village, where food and beer were thrown into the river in a solemn manner, stating, “What you died for should follow you.” Chinyanta and Kasombole both drowned in the Lualaba River.
During this occasion, Mwata is required to pay respects to the spirits of his ancestors. At Nakabutula, a sacred hut located in the palace grounds, he is smeared with inkula, an ochre-colored dust, by the keeper of the hut. Outside the palace’s western gates, under the Miyombo trees, Mwata is again smeared with ulupemba, a white dust, by the caretakers of the Lunda graves. After the rituals at Nakabutula and the Miyombo trees, Mwata begins his procession to the Ng’ona River.
Surrounded by thousands of people, he reaches a barrier where he has to seek permission from the shrine keepers (Nakabutula) to be allowed to approach the riverbank. The riverbank was the shrine to the two royal princes, Chinyanta and Kasombole, who were drowned by their adversaries after their wives revealed their whereabouts following a salt wrangle in the kingdom.
A legacy for Future Generations
The Mutomboko Traditional Ceremony is more than just a cultural event; it is a living legacy that connects the past, present, and future. By preserving and promoting this rich cultural heritage, the Lunda people ensure that their traditions and values will continue to thrive for generations to come.
As Zambia strives to position itself as a premier tourist destination, the Mutomboko ceremony offers a unique opportunity to showcase the country’s diverse cultural tapestry. By embracing its cultural heritage and investing in its tourism potential, Zambia can unlock a wealth of opportunities for economic growth and social development.
