CULTURE: KUOMBOKA ....April 2000

Kuomboka is the main cultural event in the western province of Zambia. The origin of kuomboka predates recorded history. It usually occurs annually sometime in the period of March/April, when the villages on the Upper Zambezi river-plain are evacuated before the rising waters during the rainy season. Literally, KUOMBOKA means TO WADE OUT OF WATER. KUOMBOKA denotes the voyage of the Lozi King, the Litunga, from his dry-season residence at Lealui, on the plain, to the wet-season residence at Limulunga. Since independence, KUOMBOKA is increasingly taking on national significance The ceremony is organized in several sections, and lasts totally for five days of processions and ritual performances. The royal barge-NALIKWANDA, where the King lodges throughout the trip is powered by 120 prominent Lozi paddlers.

The Nalikwanda barge during Kuomboka ceremony in western Zambia      (Courtesy of ZIS)