Kingdom of Loango

Quick Facts: Who was Kingdom of Loango?

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Kingdom of Loango

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A powerful coastal kingdom in West Central Africa, flourishing from the 16th to 19th centuries.

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Origins & Early Life

The Kingdom of Loango was a state created by Kongo people during approximately the 16th to 19th centuries in what is now the western part of the Republic of the Congo, Southern Gabon and Cabinda. Situated to the north of the more powerful Kingdom of Kongo, at its height in the 17th century Loango influence extended from Cape St Catherine in the north to almost the mouth of the Congo River. Loango ceased to exist during the 1800s African colonization by European forces. Loango exported copper to the European market, and was a major producer and exporter of cloth. The English traveller Andrew Battel, when he was there in about 1610, recorded that the predecessor of the unnamed king ruling at that time was "Gembe" or Gymbe (modernized as Njimbe), possibly the founder of the kingdom.

Career & Major Achievements

With the death of King Buatu in 1787, the succession of leadership is uncertain. The inhabitants, who are a branch of the Bakongo, spoke a northern dialect of the Kikongo language also spoken in the Kingdom of Kongo. Although the Vili eventually became the dominant political group, the Kingdom of Loango also included the Yombe, Kunyi, Lumbu, and Babongo Pygmies. Missionaries who visited the Loango coast at the end of the nineteenth century often called the people of Loango Bafiote, and their language Fiote. Their ethnic name today is usually given as Vili or Bavili.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

This term is attested as early as the seventeenth century, where it was usually spelled "Mobili" (plural Mobilis). This term is from the singular form (Muvili today) pluralized according to the rules of Portuguese. The etymology of Loango remains uncertain. Frank Hagenbucher-Sacripanti states that “a state was established, which received the name Loango, a term denoting authority (Lwaangu: political command); the word ngo, meaning ‘panther’ in Kikongo and symbolizing strength and power, is said by some authors to be the origin of the term Kongo and of the many provincial and place names containing this syllable. It should be noted, however, that while this animal is called ngo in Kugni, it is called tchikummbu in Vili.” The term ngo is also attested in Kiyombe.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1610: 1610 Milestone — The English traveller Andrew Battel, when he was there in about 1610, recorded that the predecessor of the unnamed king ruling at that time was "Gembe" or Gymbe (modernized as Njimbe), possibly the founder of the kingdom.
2. 1787: 1787 Milestone — With the death of King Buatu in 1787, the succession of leadership is uncertain.

Notable Quotes by Kingdom of Loango

“Andrew Battel recorded that the predecessor of the unnamed king ruling at that time was "Gembe" or "Gymbe" (modernized as Njimbe).”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Kingdom of Loango

True or False: “The Kingdom of Loango's influence extended to Cape St Catherine in the north during its height.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): The text states that at its height in the 17th century, Loango's influence extended from Cape St Catherine in the north.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Amago Yoshihisa — Historical peer (Died in 1610) (1610): A daimyō of Izumo Province who fought the Mōri clan and later served under them.
• Caravaggio — Historical peer (Died in 1610) (1610): Master of Tenebrism: Italian Baroque painter known for dramatic realism.
• Alphonsus Liguori — Historical peer (Died in 1787) (1787): Italian bishop, theologian, and founder of the Redemptorists.
• Carl Friedrich Abel — Historical peer (Died in 1787) (1787): German composer of the early Classical era, renowned for viola da gamba works.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kingdom of Loango