Ila in Zambia

The Ila have only been reported in Zambia
Population
Main Language
Ila
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

The Ila people live in east-central Zambia along the bend of the Kafue River. In the heart of their homeland is a rock on which, they say, is the footprint of all creatures including humans. The Ila say that God dropped man at that spot and from there they started migrating in other directions.

Most Ila grow enough food to feed their families and to cover expenses for physical needs and their children's educational expenses. More educational and career opportunities are available in the larger towns and village centers. Some Ila raise animals such as chickens, goats, or pigs on a small scale, and occasionally cows, though that is usually for tradition and prestige. In fact, the belief that cows are a sign of wealth and value undergirds an Ila funeral tradition. The funeral ceremony lasts several days. On the seventh day after burial, cows are slaughtered. It is believed that the more that are killed, the greater the value of the dead person in the eyes of the community. Afterward, everyone goes home with enough meat to compensate for the time spent at the funeral.

Many Ila describe themselves as Christians, but the Ila are without a clear translation in their language. Ten chiefs have voiced a desire to have a new translation. One even stepped forward as a reviewer. A translation team including local Ila churches is bringing that desire closer to reality. Team members are working on a complete translation of the New Testament that will bring the truth of the Gospel to the Ila people.


Prayer Points

Scripture Prayers for the Ila in Zambia.


Profile Source:   Anonymous  

People Name General Ila
People Name in Country Ila
Alternate Names Lumbu; Shukulumbwe
Population this Country 207,000
Population all Countries 207,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 5
Unreached No
Frontier People Group No
GSEC 1  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed
PeopleID3 12208
ROP3 Code 103984
Country Zambia
Region Africa, East and Southern
Continent Africa
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Central and Southern provinces: Kafue river west bend, west of Sala [shq] language area.   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Country Zambia
Region Africa, East and Southern
Continent Africa
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Central and Southern provinces: Kafue river west bend, west of Sala [shq] language area..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016

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Primary Religion: Christianity
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 17.00 %)
60.00 %
Ethnic Religions
35.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
5.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Ila
Language Code ilb   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Ila
Language Code ilb   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Ila
Photo Source Ken Sawka 
Profile Source Anonymous 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.


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