Famed Makishi Dancers And Likumbi Lya Mize Ceremony In Zambia – Much More Than Just A Festival

Ellen Lloyd - AncientPages.com - If you happen to be in Zambia, Africa the last weekend in August you may want to experience the traditional Likumbi Lya Mize ceremony celebrated by the Luvale people near the Zambezi town.  

Named after Mize, the early Luvale capital the Likumbi Lya Mize ceremony is much more than just a colorful festival. It’s celebrated yearly to keep ancient traditions and memories of African ancestors alive. The ceremony is peoples’ way to remember their heritage.

Credit: The Zambian Sun

Crowds tend to appreciate the famed Makishi dancers more than anything. They are Zambia’s most famous dancers who perform dressed in “boldly lakishi costumes and arresting masks that represent mythical characters and deities.”¹

During the ceremony, the Makishi dancers recite the history of the tribe. Being mostly fishermen and hunters, the Luvale people migrated from the Democratic Republic of Congo. They were innovative and became one the first Zambian people to establish trade links with non-Africans. In time, they managed to establish more valuable contacts and by the 18^th century they traded with the Portuguese and Brazilians in Angola.

The Makishi Masquerade

It is said that the Makishi is a masked character, representing the spirit of a deceased ancestor who returns to the world of the living to assist the boys. Before becoming a Makishi dancers, boys must take part in an annual initiation ritual for males between the ages of eight and twelve.

At a young age, boys are told to leave their homes and live for one to three months in an isolated bush camp. This separation from the outside worlds marks a symbolic death as children. In modern times, the period has been reduced to one month due to the school school calendar.

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During the mukanda, as the ritual is called, boys must face several challenges and test their courage. They must also learn and understand their future role as a man and husband. Every boy is given a specific initiation mask that stays with him throughout the ritual. There are various mask and each and one of them is associated with a powerful character. For example, the Chisaluke represents a powerful and wealthy man with spiritual influence. Another interesting figure is Mupala, who is a protective spirit with supernatural abilities.

Once the boys have successfully completed the muaknda ritual, they are welcome to re-join the community. A ceremony involving dances and songs is held to celebrate them as adult men.

When it’s time for the yearly Likumbi Lya Mize ceremony, we can see and admire those boys who according to tradition dance and sing wearing flamboyant masks and costumes.

© Zambia National Commission for UNESCO

“The masquerades enact morality stories, imparting practical lessons for life and values to live by. Throughout the event, the festivities spread out on both sides of the River Zambezi, with round-the-clock entertainment and lively market stalls. After much feasting and  dancing, the party reaches its climax with a splendid makishi procession for the chief.“ ¹

The ceremony is not only extraordinary to watch, but also an important historical event which is why the UNESCO declared it a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity”.

Every year, the Luvale people do their best to keep the ancient traditions and wisdom of the past alive, and those efforts are truly worthy of our admiration.

Written by Ellen Lloyd – AncientPages.com

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