Congo: Nzinga-a-Nkuwu Joao I ne Nzinga-a-Nkuwu (1470-1509), 5th Manikongo of the Kingdom of Kongo. Engraving by Pierre Duflos (1742-1816), late 18th century - early 19th century. João I of Kongo (1470-1509), alias Nzinga-a-Nkuwu or Nkuwu Nzinga, was ruler of the Kingdom of Kongo. He was baptised as João in 3 May 1491 by Portuguese missionaries. Initially, only the king and his nobles were to be converted, but the queen demanded to be baptised. Kongo's royal family took the names of their Portuguese counterparts, thus João, Eleanor (or Leanor in some instances) and Afonso.
João I of Kongo, alias Nzinga a Nkuwu or Nkuwu Nzinga, was ruler of the Kingdom of Kongo between 1470-1506. He was baptized as João in 3 May 1491 by Portuguese missionaries. Initially, only the king and his nobles were to be converted, but the queen demanded to be baptised. Kongo's royal family took the names of their Portuguese counterparts, thus João, Eleanor (or Leanor in some instances) and Afonso. A thousand subjects were detailed to help the Portuguese carpenters build a church, meanwhile the Portuguese soldiers accompanied the king in a campaign to defend the province of Nsundi from BaTeke raiders. The European firearms were decisive in the victory and many captives were taken. Most of the Portuguese later departed with slaves and ivory while leaving behind priests and craftsmen. After this cultural honeymoon, the king's profession of the Catholic faith proved short lived. His life ended in 1506. He was succeeded by his son via the Queen, Afonso I.
Size: 3400px × 5422px
Photo credit: © Pictures From History / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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