An
insaka is a structure which is similar in western thought as a gazebo. In Zambia
these structures have significant roles in social life in village life and the
preparations of food.
Insaka
is a Bemba word for "place to gather" It is derived from the verb
isa " to come together".
Culturally
it is very important!!
A
cooking insaka is a small hut which a fire is kept. Women socialize around this
nucleus of activity. Men socialize in the insaka which is more public, where
one greets a visitor. The men and the women have different accepted social areas.
Traditionally
people would gather underneath a tree. The tree naturally enclosed a space and
offered protection from sun and the rain.
An
insaka basically encloses a space. This for protection from the elements while
allowing for work or socializing.
Insakas
are constructed in all shapes and sizes.
The
structures provide protection from the elements, mainly wind but also rain and
sun.
Construction
of:
1.
A shallow foundation is dug and burnt bricks ( or pole and mud)
is built to a height of about 1 meter.
2.
Poles are placed into the ground about .5 meter deep. It is also
common for the poles to be placed before the walls are constructed. The poles
are either plastered into the walls or just sit outside of them.
3.
After the poles are built for the roof structure, thatch is added
on top.
2
main functions of insakas:
Cooking
Social
Poles
and Walls: The support poles can either be embedded into the walls with
bricks plastered with them or poles are placed just outside of the walls.
