Ndembu

The Ndembu are an ethnic group primarily found in northwestern Zambia. They are a Bantu-speaking people and their traditional territory is characterized by savanna and woodlands. The Ndembu have a rich cultural heritage, with a complex social structure and a strong tradition of oral history. Historically, they were organized into chieftaincies and villages, with kinship ties playing a significant role in their social and political organization.

One of the most well-known aspects of Ndembu culture is their ritualistic life, particularly the initiation rites for young men known as the *mukanda*. These ceremonies are extensive and involve periods of seclusion where boys are taught Ndembu customs, traditions, and moral values. Anthropologists, notably Victor Turner, have extensively studied Ndembu rituals, including the *mukanda* and other ceremonies like *hamba* and *ditu*, and their significance in Ndembu society. These studies highlight the importance of symbolism, symbolism, and the transformative power of ritual in Ndembu life.

The Ndembu economy has traditionally been based on subsistence farming, supplemented by hunting and gathering. They cultivate crops such as maize, millet, and groundnuts. In more recent times, many Ndembu have engaged in wage labor and have been influenced by external economic forces. Their language is closely related to other Bantu languages spoken in the region. The Ndembu continue to maintain many of their cultural practices while adapting to modern life.