Ing'ombe Ilede - Ancient Heritage

LOCATED in Gwembe District of Southern Province Ing'omble Illede Archaeological site in one the most important archaeological sites that have unlocked the history of Zambia and other countries in the sub region.

Ing'ombe Ilede Hill was discovered during construction of the pump house for the supply of water to surrounding villages in 1960 and declared a National Monument in the year 1965.

This was as a result of the archaeological finding from studies that were conducted between 1960 and 1968 by Mr J. H. Chaplin, Dr Briam M. Fagan and Dr D. W. Phillipson.

The site has in its centre a huge Baobab tree which looks like a sleeping cow, hence the name Ing'ombe Ilede meaning a sleeping now.

The site was an important village and burial ground from the seventh to the 11th Century AD Gold, copper and ivory were traded in exchange for luxuries imported from the east coast of Africa. Many richly adorned skeletons have been recovered from the hill which is one of the most important archaeological sites in Zambia.

This year's International Museums Day celebrations under the theme museums for sustainable society which draw a number of Museums professionals from different countries such as Botswana, Malawi and Namibia included a visit to the Ing'ombe Ilede National Monuments.