Temporary Closure
Please note that the Livingstone Museum will be closed to the public from 13hrs on Wednesday, 11th August to 9hrs on Monday, 16th August 2021.
We are open again!
After having closed on 18th June 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are happy to inform you that we are now open to the public again and you are all welcome to come and visit. However, note that public health measures including washing hands and wearing of masks will still be required for all visitors.
Temporary closure
Please note that the Museum will be closed from 18th June 2021 until further notice due to the escalating number of COVID-19 cases.
Exhibition on Chokwe Masks
We are excited to share with you an exhibition entitled “The role of Chokwe masks and symbols in Mukanda”. The Chokwe people were late arrivals into present-day Zambia, travelling from Angola in the early 1900s and settling in north-western Zambia. They are closely related to the Lwena, Luchazi, Lwimbi, Songo and Ovimbundu peoples of Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia, and share many cultural traits and traditions. This exhibition highlights the symbolism of Chokwe masks in the male initiation ceremony which is known as ‘Mukanda’. The collection of Chokwe masks and other cultural materials was donated to the National Museums Board and acquired with the courtesy of the Embassy of France in Zambia, Alliance Francaise of Lusaka, StArt Foundation and Total Zambia’s Financial Support. The exhibition opened on 4th June and will run until 27th June 2021.
Hairstyles in Zambia exhibition
On 20th November the Livingstone Museum launched its “Hairstyles in Zambia” exhibition. The exhibition compares Zambian hairstyles from 1920 with those from recent times. It also looks at the tools and accessories used over the years. Zambian hairstyles have played an important role in the identity of various ethnic groups. Different hairstyles revealed one’s status in life and are also a statement of beauty. While tools and techniques may have evolved over time some hairstyles have remained the same over the passage of time. Hairstyles are used as important forms of expression in many cultures in Africa, including Zambia. They help people showcase their artistic skills and they stimulate and encourage creativity among people. They also give people a sense of identity.
During the launch programme, a team of local models livened up the programme by modelling both traditional and modern hairstyles, courtesy of Jane Hair Salon. We are thankful to the models: Memory Mabuku, Lisa Mudenda, Mutinta Hamubotu, Eugine Chilandula, Memory Muluka, Jennifer Muzaza and Loveness Hangoma, who brought this exhibition to life. The exhibition was opened by Livingstone District Commissioner, Pascalina Musokotwane.
We are also thankful to the following, without whose help this exhibition and its launch would not have been possible: NATSAVE, WayiWayi Art Studio and Gallery, Green Tree Lodge, Magamba Hills Lodge, Smart Media Production, Muma’s Beauty Enhancement and Natural Hair, Musa Arts Studio, Jane Hair Salon, Mr. Felix Thindwa, Mr. Gift Chilufya, Ms. Kabwe Moyowanyambe, Mr. Debson Nyeleti, Ms. Bertha Namutowe, Mr. Benjamin Mibenge, Mr. Mungoni Sitali and Mr. Patrick Kasoka.
The exhibition will run until 20th January 2021 so please find time to pass through and see it!
