LOZI

In 1838 a Sotho tribe in flight of Shaka's Zulus, the Kololo, conquered the Lozi of Barotseland. Some of the Lozi princes fled to the north and established three small kingdoms. Those who remained became acculturated to the Kololo. Sipopa was one of those who remained under the Kololo's rule. However, in 1864 he fled to the north, killed and replaced one of his cousins, formed an army, and defeated the Kololo. Once again Lozi rule was established. Brittish was established in 1890 and independence was given to Zambia in 1964. Primarily an agricultural people, the Lozi use the flood plains of the Zambezi river to the best of their advantage. A variety of crops are grown: sorghum, maize, manioc, sweet potatoes, peanuts, peas, beans, and melons. Animal husbandry is important to them and cattle are carefully tended and milked. Butter is also made. Other livestock include goats, sheep, and chickens. Fruit, berries, and wild honey are collected. Living on the banks of the river, fishing and hunting are an essential part of the Lozi's lifestyle. Animals such as crocodiles, lizards, and hippopotamus are hunted. Hunting, herding the cattle, milking the cows, and clearing the land for agricultural purposes are the sole responsibilities of the men. Gathering is the task of women and old men. Both men and women do the fishing and agricultural work; however, the bulk of the fishing and trade is done by the men whereas the women do the bulk of the agricultural work.

Livestock and land determine one's wealth. All land and cattle belongs to the king. Land is distributed among villages Each village has a headman. Grazing land is owned communally while individuals may own plots and agricultural land. No piece of land may be sold or given away without permission given by the headman. Villages may consist of up to ten polygamous families. Huts vary in shape. Two shapes are distinct. Some huts are rectangular with gable roofs made of thatched grass. Other huts are cylindrical with wattle-and-daub walls and conical thatched roofs. The latter is more prominent though. A few villages belong to members of the royal family and titled councillors. These villages are heterogeneous in composition and consists of people assembled by the ruler. Other villages consist of kin groups with occasional strangers living among them. Initiation ceremonies for girls are observed but not for boys.

Women nearly always change their village when they marry. Polygamy is the preferred way of life. There is no chief wife, but the senior wife does enjoy a higher status. Each wife has her own hut. Marriage is forbidden with one's first, second or third cousin.

Each village has a headman who is confirmed by the ruler. Great care is taken when a successor is chosen. Usually it will be a son although, from time to time, a nephew or grandson may be chosen. The headman also fulfils religious duties. Various rituals and rain dances are performed by the headman. Socially, the Lozi is divided into three classes. Up to five generations' descendants of former kings are classified as royalty, chiefs and their kinsmen are called nobility, and the rest of the population make up the commoners class."

• Country: Zambia
• Population (year): 10.2 million (1995)
• Major Religion: Christian
• Percent Christian: 75%
• Percent Evangelical: 12.5%
• Openness to Missionaries: Open"

1. HAVE THEY HEARD THE GOSPEL?

Who is Jesus Christ to them? 8% Believe Jesus is the Son of God

2. HAVE THEY RESPONDED TO THE GOSPEL?

Believers to population: 1 believer to every 13 persons (total believers - 37 840)(8%)

3. DO THEY HAVE A CHURCH?

Churches to population: 1 church for every ? persons (total churches - ?)

4. DOES THIS PEOPLE HAVE THE WORD OF GOD TRANSLATED INTO THEIR MOTHER TONGUE?

Yes. Bible translation was finished in 1987.

5. ANY HINDRANCES TO SCRIPTURE DISTRIBUTION?

No.

6. WHAT OTHER FORMS OF GOSPEL PRESENTATIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

Don't know.

7. ARE THEY RECEPTIVE TO CHANGE AND TO CHRISTIANITY?

Formerly very resistant to Christianity, the Lozi is slowly opening up.

8. DO THEY REQUIRE OUTSIDE (CROSS-CULTURAL) ASSISTANCE?

Yes, now is the time to penetrate the Lozi with the gospel of Jesus Christ."