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Historical Narrative on Childbearing: The Case of the Imilangu of Kalabo and Sikongo Districts of Western Zambia

Author

Listed:
  • Simakando Silongwa

    (Faculty Members at Kwame Nkrumah University, Kabwe, Zambia))

  • Pauline Mileji

    (Faculty Members at Kwame Nkrumah University, Kabwe, Zambia))

Abstract

Historians and other scholars have increased attention they pay to the people of Barotseland. Nevertheless, so far there is no study that has been done in a historical way to document childbearing and its associated beliefs among the Imilangu of Kalabo and Sikongo Districts of Western Province, Zambia. Therefore, this study is an account of childbearing among the Imilangu. The first theme of discussion in this article deals with four philosophies of child conception. The Imilangu belied that child conception was as a result of fusion of male and female sex cells. Secondly, it was also believed that some children were born by men even without any contribution from a woman. Thirdly, it was believed that conception was a gift from the ancestral spirits or gods. The last philosophy was that conception was a result of two things, the two parents (man and woman) and the ancestral spirits. The second theme looked at some taboos (icila) that were followed by pregnant mothers. Toboos to do with food, work, marital faithfulness and others have been discussed. The third theme dealt with causes of infertility among people. Finally, the article looked at labour and the activities associated with it.

Suggested Citation

  • Simakando Silongwa & Pauline Mileji, 2025. "Historical Narrative on Childbearing: The Case of the Imilangu of Kalabo and Sikongo Districts of Western Zambia," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(8), pages 3724-3734, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:issue-8:p:3724-3734
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