Quck answer
Queen Nzinga was a 17th-century ruler of the Ndongo and Matamba Kingdoms in present-day Angola. She was known for her fierce resistance against Portuguese colonization and her efforts to unite various African states against the European powers. Queen Nzinga was a skilled diplomat and military strategist, leading her armies in battles against the Portuguese. She negotiated treaties and alliances with neighboring kingdoms, forming a strong resistance against the colonial forces. Queen Nzinga’s legacy as a powerful and influential leader is still celebrated today, as she is regarded as a symbol of African resistance and empowerment.
Can you think of any famous queens? Those who are interested in history might mention Elizabeth I. Others might immediately think of Cleopatra or Amanirenas. Or perhaps you have another queen in mind—one who was a great leader, negotiator, and protector. We are referring to Queen Nzinga, of course!
So, who was Queen Nzinga? Some may also spell her name as Njinga. She was born in 1583 to the king of the Ndongo people. At that time, they resided in Luanda, which is now part of the region in Africa known as Angola. Even as a child, Nzinga displayed intellect and charisma.
After Nzinga’s father passed away, her brother, Mbandi, took over as the ruler. Unfortunately, Mbandi was known for his cruelty. For instance, he killed Nzinga’s son because he considered him a threat to his reign. As a result, Nzinga and her husband fled from Ndongo.
Years later, Mbandi found himself in need of Nzinga’s assistance. His kingdom was under attack by Portugal. The Portuguese colonizers targeted the Ndongo people, searching for individuals they could capture and enslave. Additionally, Portugal believed that there were silver mines in the region.
Mbandi recognized Nzinga’s skills as a negotiator. Therefore, in 1623, he requested her presence at a meeting with the Portuguese leaders. Nzinga agreed and met Governor Joao Corria de Sousa in the nearby Portuguese settlement.
Upon her arrival, Nzinga noticed something peculiar. There was only one chair in the meeting room, and it was meant for Corria de Sousa. He expected Nzinga to either sit on the floor or remain standing. Regardless of the choice, the message was clear—Corria de Sousa did not view Nzinga as his equal.
In response, Nzinga signaled to one of the Ndongo people who accompanied her. This person knelt down on their hands and knees, and Nzinga sat on their back, placing herself at the same level as Corria de Sousa.
Nzinga had complex goals for this meeting. She aimed to prevent the Portuguese from kidnapping her people and selling them into slavery. However, she also did not want to worsen Ndongo’s relationship with Portugal since the nation traded with Ndongo and provided them with weapons.
In the end, Nzinga and Corria de Sousa reached several compromises. Nzinga agreed to convert to Christianity and allowed Portuguese missionaries and slave traders to be present among the Ndongo for a limited time. In return, the Portuguese abandoned a fortress on Ndongo land and released several captive chiefs.
In 1624, Nzinga’s brother passed away, and she ascended to the throne as queen. However, by 1626, the Portuguese had broken their promises. They recognized someone else as the leader of Ndongo, a person who aligned with Portugal’s mission. The Portuguese continued to raid Ndongo lands, capturing people and enslaving them.
Nzinga and her loyal followers fled to the west and established a new state called Matamba. There, Nzinga provided refuge to those who had escaped enslavement or had been wronged by the Portuguese. However, she also formed an alliance with the Netherlands, another country involved in the slave trade.
In 1641, with the help of the Netherlands, Nzinga’s forces temporarily managed to drive the Portuguese out of Ndongo. However, the Portuguese returned and regained control in 1648. Nzinga then focused on consolidating her power in Matamba. Over the next two decades, Matamba developed into a well-established state that negotiated on equal terms with European powers.
Nzinga lived until she was 81 years old and passed away in 1663. After her, her sister Kambu (Lady Barbara) became the ruler. Nzinga is now remembered as a queen who bravely confronted European colonizers and did everything she could to protect her people from the atrocities of the Atlantic Slave Trade. The trading of enslaved individuals came to an end in Angola in 1836.
What are your thoughts on Queen Nzinga’s legacy? What would you have done if you were in her position? Consider other famous queens you know—what similarities or differences do they have compared to Queen Nzinga?
Give these activities a try with the help of a friend or family member:
1. Queen Nzinga was an influential figure who inspired many people in Angola to fight for their freedom and independence. Explore this article to discover more about her life and the era she lived in. Which aspects of her life do you find most intriguing? Share what you’ve learned with someone close to you.
2. Make a list of the top five most fascinating facts about Queen Nzinga. For each fact, explain why you find it interesting or significant. It could be her personal involvement in raids against the Portuguese or her role as the ruler of two kingdoms during her lifetime. Share your list with a friend or family member.
3. Today’s Wonder mentions the Atlantic Slave Trade, which began in the 1400s when the Portuguese started transporting enslaved Black Africans to Portugal. The trade also involved the Dutch, English, and French. Explore this timeline of the Atlantic Slave Trade with a friend or family member to understand its impact on Africa and world history.
Sources of Wonder:
– https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/pwmn_2/hd_pwmn_2.htm (accessed on March 14, 2022)
– https://www.blackpast.org/global-african-history/queen-nzinga-1583-1663/ (accessed on March 14, 2022)
– https://en.unesco.org/womeninafrica/njinga-mbandi/biography (accessed on March 14, 2022)
– http://www.africanfeministforum.com/queen-nzinga-angola/ (accessed on March 14, 2022)
– https://www.thoughtco.com/queen-anna-nzinga-3529747 (accessed on March 14, 2022)
– https://learnersdictionary.com/ (accessed on March 14, 2022)
FAQ
1. Who was Queen Nzinga?
Queen Nzinga, also known as Nzinga Mbande or Ana de Sousa, was a 17th-century queen of the Ndongo and Matamba Kingdoms in what is now Angola. She was a prominent leader and warrior who fiercely resisted Portuguese colonization and the slave trade in Africa.
2. What is Queen Nzinga known for?
Queen Nzinga is known for her strategic military tactics and her relentless fight against Portuguese colonization. She led her people in numerous battles and diplomatic negotiations to preserve the independence and sovereignty of her kingdom. Queen Nzinga is also recognized for her efforts to unite various African tribes against the common enemy.
3. How did Queen Nzinga resist Portuguese colonization?
Queen Nzinga mobilized her troops and formed alliances with other African tribes to resist Portuguese colonization. She used guerrilla warfare tactics, ambushing Portuguese forces and disrupting their supply lines. She also engaged in diplomatic negotiations, forming alliances with the Dutch and other European powers to counter the Portuguese influence in the region.
4. What impact did Queen Nzinga have on African history?
Queen Nzinga’s resistance against Portuguese colonization and the slave trade made a significant impact on African history. She delayed Portuguese control over the Ndongo and Matamba Kingdoms for several decades, buying time for other African kingdoms to strengthen their defenses. Her bravery and leadership continue to inspire African women and serve as a symbol of resistance against colonialism.
5. How is Queen Nzinga remembered today?
Queen Nzinga is remembered as a national heroine in Angola. Her legacy is celebrated through various monuments, statues, and cultural events. She is also honored as a symbol of African resistance and empowerment. Queen Nzinga’s story is taught in schools and serves as an inspiration for women’s rights movements and the fight against oppression.
6. What can we learn from Queen Nzinga’s life?
Queen Nzinga’s life teaches us the importance of resilience, courage, and determination in the face of adversity. Her leadership and strategic thinking demonstrate the power of unity and the strength of cultural identity. Queen Nzinga’s story reminds us of the ongoing struggles for freedom and justice, and the need to stand up against oppression in all its forms.
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