Political development of Kongo: Flashcards
How was Manikongo succession?
Matrilineal
What was a consequence of Matrilineal succession?
The absence of a rigid and respected form of succession
What was the Kanda system?
A kanda is an extended family.
How was the Manikongo’s council split up?
· 12 individuals, divided into 3 groups
· 4 titles held by women who may normally have been the female Kanda chiefs of the manikongo’s own, father’s, maternal and paternal grandfather’s kanda
· The principal woman was called ‘Mother’ of the manikongo and was the manikongo’s female chief
How much of the population were said to be slaves in C17
Half the population
Why did the succession shift from matrilineal and Patrilineal?
The missionaries constantly urged upon the king the merits of filial* succession and inheritance i.e. passing on to particularly sons.
What was the significance of the Mwissikongo adapting Portuguese names?
The names were associated with the Christian religion and with the wealth and power brought by the new trade. By the C17 these Portuguese names were used for individuals scattered throughout Kongo to ‘prove’ their Mwissikongo status.
What changed in the way that the Mwissikongo ruling group was defined?
The new definition was not based on membership in a central kanda but on being the patrilineal descendants of individuals baptized during the reign of Afonso.
What was the effect of the division in the mwissikongo?
The Mwissikongo, now defined as the patrilineal descendants of those baptized during Afonso’s reign.
This group had privileges such as access to political office and trade wealth. Importantly, it included not only the children of provincial kanda (local groups or lineages) but also those born to slave mothers.
What did this shift mean for Women?
The development of patrilineal sub-groups led to men seeking more rights over their children, particularly at the expense of the children’s matrilineal relatives.
How did Christianity affect the nature of rulers?
Christian priests, with strong influence, worked to reduce polygamy by emphasizing the role of principal wives.
Why was there a reduction in polygamy?
Different missionary g n ,mroups, in addition to diocesan priests, convinced many titleholders to “abandon” their lesser wives.
