In Zambia, traditional leadership is hierarchically organized. There are 8 paramount chiefs controlling vast areas and people. Below them are about 56 chiefs/ chieftaness' controlling a fair size of land and power. Under them are sub- chiefs/ chieftaness' which have smaller areas of control and less power.

In Zambia, traditional rulers still have substantial power- especially in remote areas where police posts do not exist.

The Palace is a compound of structures

The quality, size and number of palace structures depends on power and wealth

The structures:

Main Palace: where the chief/ chieftaness lives

Residences: where other family members live.

Courthouse: where various day to day activities occur. These events include court, meetings, ceremonies, audience with the chief/ chieftaness.

Goverment provides concrete and metal roofing to palace. This is to indicate importance and power.

Power is directly influenced by wealth. The number of structures, size of the homestead, number of granaries, and overall neatness (upkeep) is also an indication of wealth.

Under every chief/ chieftaness there are headmen in every village. They could be equated the same way a governor is equated with a mayor. Some headmen have more wealth than some chiefs/ chieftaness' possess. Depends on wealth of area.

Courts areas are separated from the living area.

Buildings form an exterior courtyard. (A defined envelope of space) An outside space which is often used instead of the interior, due to the fact it is very open, allowing for the congregation of many people.

Court is often held under the shade of trees in the courtyard. Larger crowds are able to gather and it is cooler, protected from the sun.

Upon visiting the palace, one must go to the greeting area first. Much like visiting an insaka at a homestead. The palace retainer greets guests and checks if the chief/ chieftaness will meet with the visitor.

Chieftaness Mulawkwa is a sub-chieftaness of the Kapata peninsula in Luapula Province.

The actual courthouse is used only in special cases. Everyday business is usually held under a grove of mango trees.

Chief Undi is a paramount Chief in Eastern Province.

His homestead is quite large with many structures including structures for visiting guests. A jail or holding cell is also a structure which is utilized.

This is Chieftaness Mulakwa. She is a Sub-Chieftaness of Kapata peninsula. Her kingdom is small.

This is Chief Kalaso-Makoso. He is a primary chief in Luapula Province. He is dancing at the Umtumboko festival, held every year.