UMUTOMBOKA CEREMONY

TheLunda and Luba people of Luapula province celebrate their pre-colonial victories with the Umutomboko or Mutomboko ceremony. Thetwo-day ceremony begins with Mwata Kazembe (the Chief) visiting various sacred places within and outside his palace. The day concludes with his subjectspresenting gifts to the chief who is covered in white powder. During the finalday, the chief performs the ‘Umutomboko’, the royal dance. For this occasion,he is dressed in a long blue, white and red skirt called a ‘Mukonzo’, a crown andin his hands, he carries an axe and sword. As he dances, his assistant who holds his Munkonzo keeps up with him. The ceremony concludes when the chief iscarried back to the palace. Subjects and visitors continue the celebrations with traditional brew and drumming. The Umotomboko is held on the last Saturday of January every year.