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Where Chickens Sleep in Trees: The Importance of Chickens in Rural Zambia
| Article
# : |
19687 |
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Section : |
CULTURE
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| Issue
Date : |
9 / 1991 |
1,419 Words |
| Author
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Mwizenge S. Tembo
Mwizenge S. Tembo is associate professor of sociology at
Bridgewater College in Virginia. He wishes to comment that, of
course, one should exercise common sense, maintain good
hygiene, and take necessary medical precautions whenever
eating in a foreign country. Fears of contaminated food
and "dirty" water frequently create worries for the average
Western visitor to Zambia. Indeed, visitors may experience
some food-related discomforts. But be assured that in Zambia
most well-cooked foods, especially nshima, are clean, as is
water from faucets, taps, or concrete wells in rural areas. |
Among traditional Zambian peoples one of the most acknowledged signs of dire poverty and absolute deprivation, and of an undignified household, is not to own at least one chicken to offer to visiting relatives or other respected guests. People in rural areas might not have sufficient clothing, shoes, a bicycle, or any other material possessions and trappings of modern life, yet they will not feel deprived if their household can fulfill this elementary courtesy. Indeed, one of the chicken's most revered roles is its use as the ultimate gesture of hospitality.
As soon as guests arrive among the Tumbuka, for example, a chicken is chased and captured. In a very brief ritual, the host holds the chicken with both hands and symbolically "gives" or presents the chicken to the guest. After the guest expresses thanks and appreciation, the chicken is taken away to be slaughtered and cooked.
The village chicken often is so tough that it has to be boiled for at least an hour before it is served. Its meat is very lean and contains little cholesterol. When the chicken is served, either to guests or to the family, the gizzard and liver must be included. This custom is interpreted to mean that the chicken truly was cooked for the guest or husband, as the case may be. In fact, many Zambian husbands take issue with their wives if the gizzard and liver are missing when chicken is served.
Except for the feathers, nothing from a slaughtered chicken is wasted. Young children roast the intestines and head and eat them as snacks. Children often inflate the emptied chicken stomach to play with and kick around as a ball. What cannot be chewed off the bones is given to the household's dogs.
Chickens in a subsistence economy
Chickens are considered important possessions throughout rural Zambia. Although this article discusses the significance of chickens in traditional rural life among the Tonga people of Southern Province and the Tumbuka of eastern Zambia, the information holds true for most rural Zambians.
Chickens play this central role because they are small and hardy, provide valuable sources of protein, and require only minimal care. The owners generally supply them with crude shelter and occasional ears of corn. Otherwise the chickens fend for themselves throughout the day, browsing through rubbish dumps, eating grass, worms, ants, cockroaches, spiders, and
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