Clan, Chieftainship, and Slavery in Luvale Political Organization

Abstract

Opening ParagraphThe Luvale in Northern Rhodesia came under British administration in the early years of the present century, the first Government headquarters in Balovale district having been established in 1907. Some time previously, about 1892, they had already come under pressure from the Lozi to the south as a result of Lozi intervention in the war between the Luvale and the Lunda. When, therefore, the Barotseland protectorate was established at the beginning of the century, the Balovale district was included within it. Relations with the Lozi authorities were slight in the early years of British administration; later, about 1930, when the Lozi sought to introduce a greater degree of political control in Balovale district, their relations with the Luvale (and Lunda) became strained. The Luvale chiefs acquired a special role as the focal point of Luvale opposition to Lozi interference, and thereby enhanced their status and prestige in the eyes of their people. The Balovale district was finally excised from Barotseland in 1941 after a Royal Commission had inquired into the dispute. Thereafter certain of the Luvale chiefs were gazetted with de jure recognition under the Native Authorities Ordinance.