Model# KOBLC #21

Kwanzaa Unity Cup also known as the Kikombe cha Umoja is one of the basic symbols of Kwanzaa. This cup symbolizes unity of the African nations and is used by Africans on this festive holiday to perform a type of libation called Tambiko (Tahm-be-ko) to their ancestors.

Tambiko not only symbolizes the libation of honoring the ancestors but also serves as a call to the people to continue with the struggle and the work their ancestors began. The libation is done each night of Kwanzaa immediately after lighting the Kinara candles. The Kwanzaa unity cup is usually placed on the Mkeka (Kwanzaa mat) among the other Kwanzaa symbols.

During the celebration, each member of the family must drink from the unity cup before or after the libation has been poured. There are different ways in which the libation is performed. Some African nations prefer to pour the libation to their ancestors before taking a sip from the Kwanzaa unity cup, while others prefer to leave the last portion of the drink to the ancestors. The most common method is the former; the ancestors first, before man.2 This is a step to step guide on how the libation is poured from the Kwanzaa unity cup: This is usually done by the eldest person member of the family.