Description
The Kongo peoples migrated into their current location during the 13th century from the northeast under the leadership of Wene. in 1482 the Portuguese arrived on the coast, & the Kongo began diplomatic relations which included sending Kongo nobles to visit the royal assemblage in Portugal in 1485. Kongo leaders were targeted for conversion by Christian missionaries, & often divisions between followers of Christianity & followers of the traditional religions resulted. in 1526 the Portuguese were expelled, but the Kongo peoples were then invaded by the Jagas in 1568, & the Kongo were forced to look to the Portuguese for help. The Kongo kingdom never regained its former power. in the ensuing years the Kongo alternatively fought for & against the Portuguese, eventually being colonized in 1885. The Kongo political party Abako played an important part in national independence in 1960. AG0223 Kongo Female Seated Figure With Child Congo
