Likumbi Lya Mize ceremony of the Luvale people of Zambia
The Likumbi Lya Mize ceremony is a succession of ceremonies of the Luvale people of northern Zambia in honour of King Ndungu, the chief traditional authority, marking the end of the ‘mukanda’ (initiation of children).
The Likumbi Lya Mize showcases the impressive, very special and artistic makishi masks that make the ceremonies of the Luvale people so visually interesting and powerful.
The Makishi Masked
The masked makishi originate from male circumcision rituals (mukanda) and are considered by the Luvale people to be ancestors who manifest themselves in the form of masked dancers.
It is known that in traditional mukanda (still common in Zambia and DR Congo), makishi occupy a central place in the ritual, playing specific roles throughout all its stages.
Their role as mediators between the inner and outer universes of the mukanda, i.e. between men and women, initiates and non-initiates, is noteworthy.
They are also the main protectors of children in the process of initiation, introducing them, throughout their confinement, to specialised knowledge mainly related to the spiritual world.
Although original to circumcision rituals, makishi may also appear in ceremonies for the enthronement of traditional chiefs, among other socio-political events.
Different types of Makishis
The makishis are characterised by the use of masks and personalised clothing. Each mask has its own meaning.
Of all the Makishis, the king is Kayipu, a mask representing royalty. Kayipu also represents the ancestral spirits in the land of the living.
Mukishi masks are highly sought after and are exhibited in major museums around the world. They can be anthropomorphic, zoomorphic, hybrid or semi-abstract. Some types are still carved from wood, but most are made from various resinous materials such as beeswax and fibre and twig structures.
The garments, in general, are a kind of braided second skin, traditionally sewn with vegetable fibres and, more recently, with industrialised cotton threads with multicoloured striped motifs.
Zambian Mukanda
The masked makishi mark the end of the mukanda, as mentioned above. This is an annual rite of passage for children between the ages of eight and twelve. This rite is celebrated by the Luvale, Chokwe, Luchazi and Mbunda people living in the north-western and western provinces of Zambia. These mukanda are also performed in the Democratic Republic of Congo among the Pende or the Suku for example, ceremonies which we have been attending for years.
Generally, at the beginning of the dry season, children leave their homes to spend a period of one to three months in an isolated camp in the savannah. This separation from the outside world marks their symbolic death as children, and they are often regarded as adults.
The mukanda includes circumcision of the initiates, giving proof of courage and receiving lessons on their future role as men and husbands.
Each initiate is assigned a particular masked character, who accompanies him or her throughout the initiatory process.
Approximate programme of ceremonies at Likumbi Lya Mize in Zambia
- Monday will start with the Kulyachisa: The ceremony will begin with the Kulyachisa Tundaji ritual, where the initiated children will be taken for their first swim from Mukanda Camp to the Zambezi River and back. This ritual will take place in the early hours of the day.
- Wednesday, the first Chilende, the big ceremony begins. This extraordinary event will start at 09:00 with the resurrection of Makishi at the Zambezi cemetery, followed by a procession through the township, where different rituals will take place. This will be followed by the first Chilende on the plains near the Zambezi River, continuing across the Zambezi River, where the Shombe night will be celebrated right on the beach.
- Thursday, Chilende Chahausekeseke: this is the day of the big rave, when the sandy beach on the Zambezi River will be turned into a big food and alcohol based celebration. The event will start at around 10am and continue throughout the day until around 4pm, when the procession will travel the 3km from the beach to the royal capital of Mize, the official residence of His Royal Highness Paramount Chief Ndungu, where the celebrations will continue throughout the night.
- Friday, Chilende Chamu Nganda
- Saturday, Official Likumbi Lya Mize: This is the big day for all Luvale and Likumbi Lya Mize spectators, as it is the day when His Royal Highness, Senior Chief Ndungu, will lead numerous guests in observing the Likumbi Lya Mize. It is the day when people will see their Chief proudly and majestically greet his subjects. Various dances and other rituals will be performed, right at the Main Arena inside the Royal Capital of Mize.
