Abstract :
This study aimed at assessing indigenous knowledge, magic to be specific, among the Imilangu of Kalabo and Sikongo Districts of Western Zambia. This study expounded some magic activities that were performed among the Imilangu and it shows how valuable they were to the people. The Imilangu were able to manipulate the powers of the world to their will using charms. Turning a village into trees or a river if it was about to be attacked by enemies, crossing a river by riding on the back of a crocodile, winning court cases even when one was wrong, causing water, instead of bullets to be discharged from the barrel of the gun when one was shot and may more were some of the magic activities the Imilangu performed. This study argues that despite being labeled as an evil activity, magic was helpful in many aspects of life, especially providing security to the people. Moreover, magic was one of the revered arts among the Imilangu. People that performed magic were respected and considered to be life preservers. They were treated like gods and whatever they said was followed. Being a valued art, magic should be reintroduced in Imilangu.
Keyword :
Magic, Value, Imilangu, Perform, Evil, Magician, Makando, Security, Healing, Transform