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Discover Kuomboka - Zambia Day at KID Museum

by admin last modified Mar 11, 2017 08:24 PM
Discover Kuomboka, the Zambian rainy-season ceremony, with hands-on activities for the whole family: build a Nalikwanda boat with our 3D printers, use a scroll saw to create an elephant puzzle, make a Lozi hat, try on traditional dress, taste Nsihma food and more!
When Mar 25, 2017
from 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Where KID Museum 6400 Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda, MD 20815
Contact Name
Contact Phone 301-897-5437
Attendees Families all ages
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Zambia Day

Saturday, Feb. 25 from 10:00 - 5:00

$8/ person all-day admission fee. Additional fee for workshops (optional).

Kuomboka’s literal translation is “to get out of water.” This traditional ceremony, held in the rainy season, marks the migration of the Litunga (the Lozi Tribe’s king) from the floodplains of Zambezi to the Limulunga higher plains. The Litunga travels for hours in a large barge paddled by hundreds of Lozi men. To celebrate Kuomboka, this migration is recreated with large, wooden boats decorated with elephant statues.

Zambia day was created in partnership with The Embassy of the Republic of Zambia.

See below for a full run-down of activities.

Paid Workshop

3D Printed Nalikwanda Boat Design a 3D-printed miniature Nalikwanda, a barge with a large elephant figure on top. Use Tinkercad, a kid-friendly 3D design tool to create your own boat. Your creation will be available for pick-up within two weeks. Ages 8+ $14 members; $16 nonmembers (+$8 museum admission). Please register here: http://kid-museum.org/zambia-day/

Free with Admission:

Food Tasting: Nshima

Have a taste of Nshima, a Zambian food staple made out of maize flour and water, usually served with a variety of relishes and sauces. First come, first served. 3:00 ‐ 5:00

Kuomboka Story & Music

Enjoy the ceremonial music traditionally played during Kuomboka. 12:00 & 2:00

Egret Figurine

The egret is a symbol of the queenship for the Lozi tribe. Design your own egret, and then use a scroll saw to give it shape.

Elephant Cardboard Puzzle

Elephants are a symbol of kingship. Use cardboard and scroll saws to build your own elephant puzzle to take home.

Lozi Hats

A symbol of bravery, the Lozi hat is a bright red beret, often decorated with feathers. Use felt to create your own beret in a variety of colors.

Traditional Musisi Dress

The Musisi was originally the Lozi traditional dress, but is now worn by the people of 72 different tribes in Zambia, as a symbol of unity. Made of cotton or silk, the Musisi is worn at important events, and is passed on from one generation to the next. Try on a Musisi for yourself!

DIY Nalikwanda

Use everyday materials to create your own Nalikwanda, a special barge used during the Kuomboka ceremony.

More information about this event…