1.NATAMIKWA
Natamikwa is the mother of boats. It is a surveillance canoe paddled by his majesty, the litunga’s bodyguards (Mabuto). This royal canoe is used by the Litunga when he boards or gets off the Nalikwanda royal barge or Notila. The Litunga can be ferried from Nalikwanda to Notila or vice versa using this canoe.
2. MUNDENDE
Mundende royal canoe can perform the function of the Natamikwa when need arises. It's a spy boat which never retreats. It carries the ngweshi (Ancient spears) and never acts as a ferry.
3. NALIKWANDA
Nalikwanda is the royal barge in which the Litunga travels during special occasions such as the Kuomboka and kufuluhela. The Nalikwanda carries the Maoma (war) royal drums and Mutango royal drums. It carries the sinkoya royal drums ensembles as well as siluyana xylophone (silimba). Paddlers in the Nalikwanda wear head dresses made of lion’s mane.
4. MBOLYANGA
Mbolyanga is a royal barge that his majesty, the Litunga’s wife- the MOOYO IMWAMBO, uses during Kuomboka and kufuluhela ceremonies.
5. NOTILA
Notila royal barge is used to convey his majesty, the Litunga on all ceremonial journeys. Indeed the siluyana and sinkoya royal drums ensembles are both carried aboard this barge. Paddlers in the Notila wear mashewa tail as head dresses.
6. MATENDE
Matende royal barge, which is as large as Notila barge, carries royal properties. Its an spy boat that does not retreat it carries spears too.
7. NJEMENWA
Njemenwa royal barge carries palace member of staff during Kuomboka ceremony.
8. NAMAONGO
Royal barge that carries some of the royal staff during Kuomboka ceremony
9. NAMANDIMBWE
It carries kitchen utensils. It is paddled by the kitchen staff.
10. SABELELE
Sabelele royal barge is used by his majesty, the litunga’s mother either by birth or inheritance. She is called makoshi (mukwae Ngula).
11. NALIKENA
Nalikena royal barge belongs to the Ngambela (prime Minister). Nalikena means something white or clean.
12. MUTONGO
Mutongo royal barge carries the Mwabange, prince Namabamba.
DID YOU KNOW THAT?
When an ordinary Person paddles In front of the Nalikwanda, the front part is called NDONGO..
However, When his Majesty The Litunga decides to paddle standing at the same front position, it changes it's name from NDONGO to IMUTUSI..
Further an ordinary Paddler's paddling stick is called Silabo, but that one used by his Majesty The Litunga is not called, Silabo but LWAMI.
The front paddler is like a Ship Captain or Platoon Commander, he sets the paddling pattern for the rest of the over hundred Paddlers.The Paddling pattern is known as MISHA.
The rest of the paddling position is called TUBILI. Paddling in the NDONGO is only allowed by his Majesty The Litunga through a process known as Kuteeba.
Before docking at Nayuma, the Nalikwanda moves back and fourth three times sometimes with three different paddlers in the NDONGO.
Induna Ingangwana wearing a white vest above lead the final docking last time.
The first Move comes with Manjabila Music
The second Move comes with Lishooma Music
The third and final docking move comes with Maoma music sound.
The sign of Victory ✌️.