the zambian kingdoms series: the shila people
the shila are found along the shores of lake mweru in nchelenge and chienge districts of luapula province, and across the lake in katanga province, DRC. their history in the lake mweru region dates to around the early seventeenth century. lake mweru: approximately 5,150 square kilometres, shared between zambia and the DRC, fed by the luapula river from the south. the rivers series described the luapula as the river connecting lake bangweulu to lake mweru. the shila have lived on this lake for four centuries.
the shila identity: a fishing people whose social organisation, ceremonies, relationship to the landscape, and economic life all centre on the lake and its fish. their identity is embedded in their most important ceremony's name: mabila — the word for waves. the waves of lake mweru. the symbol of the shila as a people of the water.
lake mweru's fisheries are among the most productive in zambia — supporting the luapula bream, tigerfish, and the lake's own kapenta species. fish from lake mweru is a protein source for communities far beyond the lake's shores.
the mabila ceremony: the annual traditional event of the shila people of senior chief mununga, held in october. celebrates the fishing season through demonstration of fishing techniques on the kalungwishi river, citation of shila culture and history, and visits to historical landmarks. the name mabila — waves — symbolises the significance of the shila as a people of the water.
the shila's relationship with the kazembe kingdom — the lunda empire on the luapula whose kingdoms series post described its transoceanic trade connections — is one of political incorporation and cultural continuity. today, the shila remain on the same lake shores their ancestors settled four centuries ago — fishing the waves, mending the nets, selling the catch.
the people of the waves. the fishermen of lake mweru. the keepers of the lake's four-century tradition.
the zambian kingdoms series continues. 🇿🇲