2.1. The development of the Kingdom of Kongo Flashcards
What was the political structure of the Kingdom of Kongo?
The Kingdom of Kongo had a political structure that included a powerful sovereign known as the manikongo, local chiefs, and a ruling council called the Mwissikongo.
What was the role of the manikongo in the Kingdom of Kongo?
The manikongo was the supreme king, absolute master of his realm, and held court while maintaining a large household and a system of tribute collection.
Define the term ‘kanda’ in the context of the Kingdom of Kongo.
Kanda refers to the lineage system which legitimised the holding of land and was central to the political and household authority.
What was the significance of Mbanza Kongo?
Mbanza Kongo was the capital and the heart of political organization, where the Mwissikongo operated and tribute was raised.
True or False: The succession of the manikongo was strictly patrilineal.
False.
What was the main function of the Mwissikongo?
The Mwissikongo served as the king’s council, consisting of 12 individuals who provided governance and exploited neighboring regions.
Fill in the blank: The system of governance in the Kingdom of Kongo included a bureaucracy that was responsible for _______.
raising tribute.
What role did European contact play in the Kingdom of Kongo’s political development?
European contact led to the Mwissikongo ruling class gaining wealth, which allowed them to develop a vigorous slave trade and alter traditional kinship patterns.
What was the impact of slavery on the Kingdom of Kongo’s social structure?
Slavery created a divide between the Mwissikongo, who accumulated wealth and power, and non-Mwissikongo, affecting traditional kinship and social security.
Who were the mwissikongo and what was their significance?
The mwissikongo were the ruling elite of the Kingdom of Kongo, defined by patrilineal descent and controlling political power and trade wealth.
What were the titles held by women in the Mwissikongo’s council?
The titles included the principal female chief called ‘Mother’ and female kanda chiefs.
What was the relationship between the manikongo and local chiefs?
Local chiefs were part of the administrative hierarchy responsible for collecting tribute and maintaining local governance under the manikongo’s authority.
True or False: The Kanda system became less significant with the rise of the Mwissikongo.
True.
What was the principal economic activity of the Kingdom of Kongo?
The principal economic activity included tribute collection and trade, particularly involving commodities and enslaved people.
Fill in the blank: The Mwissikongo’s power was challenged by the centralization of authority in the _______.
C16.
What was a notable aspect of the manikongo’s household?
The household included individuals from diverse origins, allowing for the acquisition of land and offices that could become hereditary.
What cultural influence did Christianity have on the Mwissikongo?
Christianity favored patrilineal ties and influenced inheritance practices, affecting the status of women and kinship structures.
What was the significance of the Malebo Pool in the Kingdom of Kongo?
The Malebo Pool was an important trading market for commodities and enslaved people.
How did the concept of ‘free man’ and ‘slave’ evolve in Kongo society?
The distinction became problematic as children of Mwissikongo fathers and slave mothers could aspire to high office, blurring traditional lines.
What was the role of the ‘Mother’, mani nzimbu mpungu, in the Mwissikongo society?
The ‘Mother’ was the female chief who exercised considerable power in the capital
What two aspects of Mwissikongo ideology conflicted with the Christian demand for monogamy?
- Polygamy as a means of forging relationships
- Polygamy as an indicator of status differentiation
How did the status of ‘free’ concubines change in Mwissikongo society?
Their status worsened as the ruling elite strengthened and kanda chiefs became less able to protect them
What was the primary agricultural product cultivated by women in Kongo?
Millet
What was the significance of palm oil in Kongo’s economy?
It was used for cooking and lighting and was one of the most important resources
How did trade develop within the Kingdom of Kongo?
Through a network of communications controlled by the capital, leading to increased tribute and trade fairs
What was the role of slaves in the economy of Mbanza Kongo?
Slaves produced a surplus by working large fields for the nobility and were integrated into villages
Fill in the blank: The village economy in Kongo was primarily organized around _______.
communal land ownership
What was the impact of the king’s policy to keep people in ‘miserable poverty’?
It made it easier for him to rule
How did the king maintain socio-economic control in Kongo?
By controlling Mbanza Kongo and ensuring a continuous flow of goods from rural areas
True or False: The nobility in Kongo had strong incentives to invest in rural bases.
False
What characterized the town economy (mbanza) in Kongo?
It was largely self-sufficient and relied on surplus produced by slaves
What was the relationship between the king’s household and the noble kin groups?
The king’s household was at the apex of a pyramid composed of lesser pyramids of patron and client groups
What was the effect of the Jaga invasion on the Kingdom of Kongo?
It was a crucial turning point in Kongo’s development
Fill in the blank: The first sovereign of Kongo was known as the _______.
blacksmith king
What crafts were valued in Kongo apart from metalwork?
- Pottery
- Wood carving
- Hide curing
- Basket making
- Weaving
What was the significance of the trade fair held at Malebo Pool?
It was an important site for trading copper and procuring slaves
