An African Queen

Women's History Month continues!

This entry is to honor Nzinga (1582-1663), the Queen of Ndongo (now called Angola).

The important facts about her life are outlined by Professor Glasgow of Bowie, Maryland:

"Her extraordinary story begins about 1582, the year of her birth. She is referred to as Nzingha, or Jinga, but is better known as Ann Nzingha. She was the sister of the then-reigning King of Ndongo, Ngoli Bbondi, whose country was later called Angola. Nzingha was from an ethnic group called the Jagas. The Jagas were an extremely militant group who formed a human shield against the Portuguese slave traders. Nzingha never accepted the Portuguese conquest of Angola, and was always on the military offensive. As part of her strategy against the invaders, she formed an alliance with the Dutch, who she intended to use to defeat the Portuguese slave traders."

The Dutch and the rulers of the kingdom of Kongo helped her defeat the Portuguese in 1648. Later, the Portuguese sent a fleet from Brazil to attack Ndongo. Instead of Queen, she preferred to be called King, and when leading an army, dressed in men's clothing.

When she grew too old to fight, she signed a treaty with Portugal in 1659. Although white expansion continued, they would still not gain control of the interior of the country until the 20th century.

Today, Nzinga is remembered in Angola for her political and diplomatic acumen, great wit and intelligence, as well as her brilliant military tactics. In time, Portugal and most of Europe would come to respect her. A major street in Luanda is named after her, and a statue of her was placed in Kinaxixi on an impressive square. Angolan women are often married near the statue, especially on Thursdays and Fridays.

-E.M.