The Origins and Development of The Lozi Kingdom

THE ORIGINS AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE LOZI KINGDOM
Origin
Two theories exist to explain the origin of the Lozi/Luyi kingdom. Early Lozi history shows
the influence of the general patterns of development found in other kingdoms but modified by
unique local aspects. Much of the difference of Lozi history can be explained by the location
of the kingdom when compared to others. The kingdom was in the middle off the continent,
and until the middle of the 19th century, relatively isolated from external trade contacts.
However, other aspects of its environment, especially its situation in the flood plains of the
Zambezi, more than offset its lack of trade contacts. In fact, its isolation may have been an
advantage.
Divine Theory of Origin
According to Lozi legend, the local people originated in the Bulozi flood plains of the
Zambezi river where they still live today. The royal family was supposedly descended from
Nyambe (god) and his wife Nasilele, when god (Nyambe) used to live in Bulozi. Although
this story cannot be fully accepted as true, it is important in that it indicates something of how
the Lozi view their history. It implies that the Lozi were unique in their origin, always lived
in the area where they still live today, and came from no other place. This claim could mean
that no other people had an older or more legitimate claim to the area and that the Lozi were
not inferior to any other kingdom or people. The Lozi view of their own unique origins was
important in maintaining a hierarchical distinction between their aristocracy and other
peoples who were conquered during the later expansions of the kingdom. This elitist view of
Lozi history and relations to subject peoples is in contrast to the Chewa and Bemba or even
Lunda pattern, which saw subject peoples as equals who could be encouraged to intermarry
and to adopt the culture and history of the rulers.
Historical Theory of Origin
While the legend of divine origin obscures the true origin of Lozi rulers, there are a number
of similarities between the political systems of the Katanga-type states and the Lozi.
According to Mutumba Mainga and other scholars, the Luyi may have come from a refugee
group and not from the mainstream Lunda kingdom in Congo.
According to this theory, the origins begin with a female figure called Mwambwa. She was
succeeded by her daughter Mbuyu wa Mwambwa around 1600. Therefore, the early history
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of the Lozi was characterised by female rulers. Her son Mboo Muyunda challenged her
mother and succeeded as the first male ruler or Litunga. During his reign, the development of
a small kingdom began, yet without central authority. He in turn set out various brothers,
sisters, and nephews to establish Lozi rule in surrounding areas. At other times neighbouring
peoples were conquered, while others accepted Lozi rule relatively peacefully. However, this
outward expansion during the reign of Mboo was not necessarily the expansion of control by
a centralized kingship. At least two of Mboo’s relatives, Mwanambinyi and Mange
established themselves as independent chiefs. Mwanambinyi went south with his group,
which became known as Kwandi. They conquered the Subiya and Mbukushu people and
established a capital at Imatonga. Mange on the other hand, had proceeded east from Mboo’s
area and conquered some Nkoya people. His people came to be called the Kwangwa. This
system of decentralised power was similar to that of the Bemba. Soon, however, the system
was put to a stop due to the threat of secession.
Reasons for the Rise of the Kingdom
These are somewhat different from those of most other Zambian kingdoms. In other
kingdoms which we have looked at, the idea of kingship, strong leadership, geographical
environment and external trade played a key role in their development. To a certain extent,
the Lozi kingdom developed as a result of the interaction of these factors, but with some
modification.
1. Geographical/Environmental Factor – basically located along the Zambezi River and

the flood plain of Bulozi, the kingdom came to benefit from this environ. The
Zambezi Valley was very fertile because of annual flooding which brought alluvial
soils to people’s gardens. As a result, good harvests were produced which in turn
supported large numbers of people, cattle and game. The river was important because
it produced fish and provided an easy means of communication by canoe. Later,
canals were built to facilitate communication. This made it easy to pass on
information and administration enhanced instead of walking long distances on foot as
was the case among the Chewa or Bemba kingdoms.
2. Ecological differentiation – the balance in the distribution of natural resources in the
area as well as the geography encouraged unity of purpose. Parts of the kingdom were
good for rearing domestic animals while others were ideal for fishing activities.
Baskets and mats were made in some areas while canoes, iron implements, pots and
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such other items came from the forest region. That fact that the various distinct areas
were dependent on each other encouraged both trade and unity. This distribution of
natural resources and trade goods made Lozi rulers to bring all distant parts close
together. This enabled them to collect tribute and control internal trade to their own
advantage by being in the position of a distributor chief, that is, re-distributing part of
the trade goods to subject peoples as a way of maintaining their loyalty. Thus, it was
internal trade, and not external one which would encourage the rapid expansion of this
highly centralized Lozi kingdom.
3. Strong Leadership – strong leaders began to emerge in the 1700s, beginning with the
4th Litunga, Ngalama. Ngalama defeated the Kwangwa under Mange and brought
them under his rule. Although he had difficulties conquering the Kwandi under
Mwanambinyi, in the end, he successfully established a united and centralised Lozi
kingdom.
The 6th Litunga Ngambela (Ngombala) continued the policy of unification by
reconquering some areas in the south which had drifted away from central Lozi
control after the defeat of Mwanambinyi. He extended the kingdom to new areas. He
also set up a co-ruler in the south at Nalolo in order to reconcile the recently
integrated southern part of the kingdom by giving it a measure of autonomy (in the
end, however, this measure boomeranged as it encouraged separatism).
The greatest of the early Litungas was the 10th, Mulambwa (1780-1830). Important
developments took place during his reign. It was during his rule that a number of
external factors also began to influence Lozi history. Under his rule, the kingdom
expanded significantly to cover half of present day Western province. Many people
who had been conquered by previous Litungas, but were independent as long as they
remitted tribute, were brought under more direct control. One of his greatest
achievements was the introduction of a Law Code.
Two external influences affected Lozi history during Mulambwa’s reign. First, was
the immigration of the Mbunda people, seeking refuge from the north-eastern region
of Angola. They were led by Mwene Chiengele and Mwene Kandala. Since this group
was composed of good fighters, Mulambwa used them to counter attack Luvale
raiders who frequently terrorised his kingdom. They also brought with them technical
innovations such as the bow and arrow, and the battle axe; and new food crops like
cassava, maize, etc. they were also skilful magicians and medicine-men, good wood
carvers and gifted Makishi dancers. While the Mbunda had been allowed into the
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kingdom, Mulambwa did not permit the Mambari or Ovimbundu slave and ivory
traders who acted as middlemen for the Portuguese in Angola for he feared the effects
of the slave trade on his people as well as loss of trade monopoly.
The second, the establishment of indirect external trade links with the west coast. The
Lozi traded with the Luvale along the Zambezi, while the latter traded with the
Mambari and other representatives of the Portuguese in Angola.
Mulambwa died around 1830 with the kingdom at its peak of development and
strength. The area was relatively peaceful and prosperous and managed to survive
quite well without external influences. Yet within a few years, the external force of
the Kololo who arrived later brought the kingdom to its knees.

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THE ORIGINS AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE LOZI KINGDOM

Divine Theory of Origin

Historical Theory of Origin

Reasons for the Rise of the Kingdom

1. Geographical/Environmental Factor – basically located along the Zambezi River and

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