MUKANDA: UNMASKING SECRET RITUAL. -For Luvales, it’s more than initiation into adulthood.
In the core of Northwestern Province, amidst the rich cultural tapestry of Zambia, lies a time-honored tradition that has endured through generations- the Mukanda Initiation ceremony of the Luvale people.
This sacred rite of passage holds deep significance for the Luvale community, serving as a touchstone to their roots, values, and identity.
Across different provinces where the Luvale people reside, this ceremony takes on a dynamic and exhilarating form, captivating both locals and outsiders alike.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Mukanda Initiation ceremony is the presence of the Makishi, masked dancers who roam through townships, bringing a unique blend of entertainment and mystique to the event.
These Makishi, adorned in elaborate costumes and masks, move with a mesmerising grace as they dance and chant their way through the streets.
What truly sets this celebration apart is the way the Makishi is followed by throngs of enthusiastic people, drawn like magnets to the lively procession.
To someone unfamiliar with this tradition, the sight of these masked figures and the fervent followers can be a daunting and eerie experience.
Yet, to those who have grown up in these communities, it represents a timeless source of entertainment and cultural pride.
Philemon Kasoni, Livingstone District Likumbi Lyamizhe Chairman, provides valuable insight into the profound cultural significance of the Mukanda Initiation Ceremony among the Luvale people.
Mr Kasoni explains that within the Luvale culture, when young boys reach maturity, they must transition into manhood.
“This transformational journey begins with a tradition known as “Insaka,” where men gather to discuss life’s intricacies and societal responsibilities. Subsequently, the boys are sent to the Mukanda camps, where the core purpose is to instill in them the knowledge and values required to navigate life as responsible men,” he said.
Mr Kasoni explained that once the boys graduate from Mukanda, they are encouraged to detach from their maternal influences, symbolising their readiness to fully embrace their role as men.
He emphasised the importance of selecting mature candidates for Mukanda, typically aged 12 and above, as they are better equipped to grasp the teachings and apply them throughout their lives.
This education encompasses respecting others, understanding their place in society, and learning how to treat people and future spouses with respect.
After Mukanda, access to their mother’s bedroom is restricted, and for those in rural setups, they are guided towards building their own homes and eventually finding suitable life partners.
The Mukanda camps, Mr Kasoni notes, are typically conducted during the cold season, lasting for six to eight months.
“These camps are intentionally located deep in the bush, far from the community and passersby, in accordance with tradition,” he said.
The Mukanda Initiation ceremony, with its Makishi dancers, embodies the rich tapestry of Luvale culture, offering a spectacle that seamlessly blends tradition, artistry, and community spirit.
It serves as a vivid reminder of the enduring vitality of cultural practices and their power to both enchant and educate those fortunate enough to witness them.
While the Mukanda has been a longstanding tradition for Luvale males, some Luvale individuals choose not to participate, earning them the designation of “Vilima.”
Nevertheless, circumcision remains a fundamental rite of passage, symbolising purity and cleanliness.
Mr Kasoni explained that in recent times, the Mukanda has attracted interest from young males of other tribes, who are drawn by the allure of witnessing the Makishi but may not fully embrace the teachings and culture inherent to the Mukanda.
The Mukanda ceremony unfolds in stages, each marked by unique customs and rituals.
One of the most visible aspects is the presence of ordinary Makishi, such as “Defao”, and special Makishi known as “Vizaluke”, play essential roles.
“The ordinary Makishi such as the “Defao”, traverse townships while the boys are in camp, visiting their homes to entertain their mothers and reassure parents of their children’s safety,” Mr Kasoni Explained.
“As the camp progresses, special Makishi known as “Vizaluke” make their appearance, typically towards the end of the initiation. These extraordinary figures add an air of mystique and anticipation to the proceedings, leading up to the graduation,” he added.
Central to the Mukanda is the “Shimba,”- a term used to describe the initiates’ cleansing bathing ritual at the river, after which those who are still attending school resume their regular routines until their final graduation day.
The Mukanda initiation graduation ceremony is a vibrant spectacle that draws the entire community together, filling the air with palpable excitement and anticipation.
As the sun sets over the various Mukanda camps, community members converge at a specially prepared arena, their faces illuminated by the glow of flickering torches and the warmth of unity.
The rhythmic beat of drums and the melodious sounds of traditional instruments serve as a prelude to the main event, setting hearts excited with anticipation.
Amidst the sea of expectant faces, special Makishi take to the stage with an atmosphere of fascination.
Adorned in their most intricate and elaborate costumes, they commence a mesmerising dance, weaving intricate patterns through the night air.
Their movements, synchronised with an almost supernatural grace, hold the audience captive as they evoke the spirits of tradition and heritage.
Then, in a moment that everyone has been eagerly awaiting, the initiates make their grand entrance.
Dressed in finely tailored suits, a symbol of the love and pride their parents hold for them, they emerge from the shadows, their faces illuminated with smiles that radiate a newfound sense of purpose and maturity.
The applause and ululations of the crowd crescendo into a symphony of joy as they witness the transformation of these young men into responsible members of society.
After graduation, the initiates are welcomed back to their parents’ homes, marking the completion of their transformative journey through the Mukanda Initiation Ceremony.
Ndonji Litumbo, Chizhika Mukanda (Camp Owner) of the Livingstone Nakatindi Mukanda Camp, underscores the importance of the Mukanda initiation ceremony in passing down cultural knowledge.
Mr Litumbo emphasises that young Luvale males must understand their roots to preserve and transmit this heritage to future generations.
He disclosed that currently, 140 boys have been part of his camp since 12th May, 2023, with their graduation scheduled for 6th October, 2023.
Anna Kakoma, a parent with a son in the Mukanda camp, echoes this sentiment, emphasising the importance of adhering to tradition despite the changing modern world.
“We cannot bypass certain practices in our tradition, children must know where they come from and understand why certain things are practiced,” she said.
Ms Kakoma expects to witness a transformation in her son’s character and understanding of their culture upon his graduation.
Bessie Chelemu, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Traditional Affairs Director, emphasises the significance of celebrating traditional ceremonies in preserving Zambia’s rich cultural tapestry.
“These events play a pivotal role in preserving cultural heritage and fostering unity and social cohesion. Additionally, they serve as a platform for elders to pass on their cultural knowledge to younger generations,” said Ms Chelemu said.
She said through Zambia’s cultural policy, efforts are made to ensure that each province participates in various traditional ceremonies, safeguarding the diverse cultures that constitute the nation’s mosaic.
Ms Chelemu articulates that these celebrations serve as a channel for passing down the priceless cultural heritage from one generation to the next.
“Every traditional ceremony carries with it a compelling storyline that deserves commemoration and transmission to younger generations, fostering a deeper connection with ancestral customs,” she said.
Furthermore, Ms Chelemu points out that traditional celebrations have the potential to attract tourists and boost the country’s income, turning cultural richness into an economic asset.
She highlights the Mukanda Initiation Ceremony as a celebration that not only marks the transition of boys into manhood but also serves as a unique opportunity for the Luvale community to pass down knowledge and instill values in the younger generation, thereby preserving their distinctive cultural identity.
The Mukanda Initiation Ceremony, as celebrated by the Luvale people, exemplifies the power of tradition in shaping identity, values, and community bonds.
In the midst of a rapidly changing world, events like these stand as a testament to the enduring importance of cultural preservation, celebrating the past, and nurturing the future.
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