Livingstone Museum welcomed His Excellency Milos Vystrcil, Speaker of the Senate of the Czech Republic, and his delegation during their tour of Czech-supported projects in Southern Province. The delegation, which was in the country to explore business opportunities, included five senators, Czech Ambassador to Zambia, the Director General of the National Museum of the Czech Republic and the Director of Naprstek Museum of Asian African and American Cultures in Prague. They were accompanied by the Minister of Southern Province, Honourable Credo Nanjuwa. The delegation was given a tour of the Museum by the Director, Mrs Victoria Chitungu. This was followed by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Livingstone Museum and the National National Museum of the Czech Republic, represented by the Director General, Dr. Michal Lukeš. The two museums agreed to cooperate in the areas of exhibitions, conferences, workshops and exchanging professionals, among others. Before leaving, the delegation laid wreaths at the statue of Czech explorer Emil Holub outside the Museum.
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.
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.
