20–27 Mar 2026
Wild View Resorts
Africa/Gaborone timezone

Cultural Astronomy in Zambia: Insights from Different Tribes

25 Mar 2026, 11:45
15m
Wild View Resorts

Wild View Resorts

Plot 80 President Avenue, Kasane, Botswana
In-person - Talk 5 Addressing Inequality in Astronomy/Indigenous Astronomy Education, Development & Outreach

Speaker

Ariel Njobvu (Copperbelt University)

Description

Astronomy is the oldest science, and its influence is deeply embedded in cultural practices across Africa. In Zambia, traditional ceremonies offer a unique lens through which communities interpret the sky and integrate celestial knowledge into daily life. This study investigates Zambian cultural astronomy by engaging directly with the tribes of Zambia. By attending these events and interacting with custodians of Indigenous knowledge, we document how celestial events shape seasonal calendars, agricultural practices, spiritual beliefs, etc. The project highlights the importance of language, symbolism, and oral tradition in transmitting sky knowledge, and examines how these cultural interpretations can inform more inclusive, culturally grounded approaches to science communication and astronomy education in Zambia.

Stream Education, Development and Outreach

Primary author

Ariel Njobvu (Copperbelt University)

Co-authors

Josephine Chishala (Botswana International Universityof Science and Technology) Saul Paul Phiri (Copperbelt University) Prospery Christopher Simpemba (Copperbelt University)

Presentation materials

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