LUSAKA, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- In the bustling central business district of Lusaka, 38-year-old hawker Charles Mutabi arranges Ngoni attire at his roadside stall, preparing for one of the busiest periods of the year.
For the past four years, Mutabi has earned a living selling traditional Ngoni attire, a trade that gathers momentum as Zambia's annual ceremony calendar approaches its peak.
Zambia is home to dozens of ethnic groups, each with major traditional ceremonies held across provinces at different times of the year, which continue to draw participants from both rural communities and urban centers.
One of the most prominent is the Ncwala ceremony of the Ngoni people in Eastern Province. Marking the Ngoni new year and first harvest, Ncwala is usually held on the last Saturday of February in Chipata District.
From the Ncwala ceremony to other traditional celebrations staged across the country, Zambians increasingly view these gatherings not only as cultural events but also as opportunities to affirm identity, reconnect with family roots and pass heritage to younger generations.
For vendors like Mutabi, such ceremonies translate into steady demand for items deemed appropriate and respectful for parades, dances and communal rituals.
With meticulous attention to detail, Mutabi crafts headbands, breastplates and shields using locally sourced animal skins. Buyers often request designs that align with what they have seen worn during ceremonies, and many prefer handmade pieces they regard as authentic, he said.
"I am proud to support my family through this business," Mutabi said, adding that demand for ceremonial attire continues to rise as more people seek items that express cultural belonging.
In Zambian society, traditional attire carries deep meaning. It serves as a symbol of identity, respect and community, and often signals one's readiness to take part in ritual performances rather than merely to observe.
Holding a headband she purchased for 50 Zambian kwacha (about 2.7 U.S. dollars), 29-year-old Nalini Phiri, a Lusaka resident, said: "It is required for taking part in the parade during the Ncwala ceremony. Wearing it connects me to my heritage and demonstrates respect for my culture."
Alfred Mbewe, a specialist in culture and traditional ceremonies, said the growing interest in traditional items reflects a broader shift in how Zambians engage with their heritage.
Noting that social media amplifies the visibility of ceremonies and encourages participation beyond one's home area, he said: "Zambians are reconnecting with their heritage, and these items are integral to that process." ■