MUMBULUMA FALLS NEARBY RESIDES THE MAKUMBA and NGOSA THE USHI GODS. The Ushi people, in Mansa district, has two great protecting spirits (ngulu) called Makumba (male) and Ngosa (female). They live in a little temple three meters in diameter at the source of the rivers Mansa and Nambushi. A priestess resides there to care for the sacred fire. Several priests look after the temple, the senior of whom is Chilaluka, a marvelous ventriloquist who consults the spirits from time to time. Makumba and Ngosa are two meteors weighing only several ounces, and the legend says that they fell from the sky. Makumba, the male, is enveloped in python skins, crowned with a massive head of white feathers. There are adorned with shells (mpande), the royal emblems. Formerly, Makumba was consulted by Msidi, Kanyanta and other powerful chiefs. The woman Ngosa, sister of Makumba, stays beside him and is also covered in python skins. These oracular fetishes are firmly believed to be of a miraculous origin, and they have procured much wealth and great renown for their guardians. Formerly, when these fetishes were carried in front of the army, victory was assured. There was one exception; the Arab chief Chiwale on one occasion desecrated the temple and took away Makumba and plundered all his riches. Mumbuluma falls is situated 33km from Mansa town, in the Luapula province, cascades down in two steps on the Mumbuluma River. These two wide waterfalls fall some 5-10m each. The temple for the protective spirits, Makumba and his sister Ngosa, are situated some distance south of the Falls. According to legend, Makumba and Ngosa fell from the sky. The temple has a sacred fire which never goes out and is tended by the priests. Where to stay : Camping available Mansa Hotel. Source: Beliefs And Religious Practices Of The Bemba And Neighboring Tribes
Posted on: Mon, 21 Jul 2014 19:27:08 +0000
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