The Strange Adventures Of Andrew Battell, Of Leigh, In Angola And The Adjoining Regions - free ebook by Andrew Battell

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The Strange Adventures Of Andrew Battell, Of Leigh, In Angola And The Adjoining Regions

Andrew Battell

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THE HAKLUYT SOCIETY.

THE HAKLUYT SOCIETY.

Sir Clements Markham , K.C.B., F.R.S., Pres. R.G.S. , President . The Right Hon. The Lord Stanley of Alderley , Vice-President . Rear-Admiral Sir William Wharton , K.C.B., Vice-President . Commr. B. M. Chambers , R.N. C. Raymond Beazley , M.A. Colonel G. Earl Church. Sir W. Martin Conway. F. H. H. Guillemard , M.A., M.D. Edward Heawood , M.A. Dudley F. A. Hervey , C.M.G. E. F. Im Thurn , C.B., C.M.G. J. Scott Keltie , LL.D. F. W. Lucas. A. P. Maudslay. E. J. Payne , M.A. Howard Saunders. H. W. T

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INTRODUCTION.

INTRODUCTION.

F OUR Englishmen are known to have visited Angola towards the close of the sixteenth century, namely, Thomas Turner, Andrew Towres, Anthony Knivet and Andrew Battell. All four were taken by the Portuguese out of English privateers in South-American waters, and spent years of captivity as prisoners of war; happy, no doubt, in having escaped the fate of many of their less fortunate companions, who atoned with their lives for the hazardous proceedings in which they had engaged. Thomas Turner, 1 alt

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BIBLIOGRAPHY.

BIBLIOGRAPHY.

Only the titles of a few books cited merely by the author’s name, or by abbreviated references, are included in this list. How cited: Alguns Doc. —Alguns documentos do archivo nacional da Torre do Tombo ácerca das navegações e conquistas Portuguezas. Lisboa (Impr. nac.), 1892. A Collection of documents, 1416-1554, edited by José Ramos-Coelho. See Index sub Angola, Kongo, Manicongo. Paiva Manso. —Historia do Congo, obra posthuma do (Dr. Levy) Visconde de Paiva Manso. Lisboa (Typ. da Acad.), 1877.

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§ I. Andrew Battel, his Voyage to the River of Plate, who being taken on the coast of Brasill, was sent to Angola. [From the Thames to Cape Palmas.]

§ I. Andrew Battel, his Voyage to the River of Plate, who being taken on the coast of Brasill, was sent to Angola. [From the Thames to Cape Palmas.]

I N the year 1589, Abraham Cocke 9 of Limehouse, began his voyage toward the River of Plate, with two pinnaces 10 of fifty tons apiece: the one was called the May-Morning , the other the Dolphin . We sailed from the river Thames the twentieth of April; and the six and twentieth of the same month we put into Plimmoth [Plymouth], where we took in some provision for the voyage. The seventh of May we put to sea, and with foul weather were beaten back again into Plimmoth, where we remained certain da

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[St. Thomé and the Gulf of Guinea.]

[St. Thomé and the Gulf of Guinea.]

Here our men fell sick of the scurvy, in such sort, that there were very few sound. And being within three or four degrees of the equinoctial line we fell with the Cape de las Palmas, where we had some refreshing, wherewith our men recovered. The people of the Cape de las Palmas [Cabo das Palmas] made much of us, saying that they would trade with us; but it was but to betray us, for they are very treacherous, and were like to have taken our boat, and hurt some of our men. From this Cape we lay s

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[Across the Atlantic to the Brazils.]

[Across the Atlantic to the Brazils.]

Then Abraham Cocke determined to fetch the coast of Brasil, and lay west-south-west into the sea: and being some fifty leagues off, we fell into a shoal of dolphins, 18 which did greatly relieve us, for they did follow our ship all the way, till we fell [in] with the land, which was some thirty days. And running along the coast of Brasil till we came to Ilha Grande, 19 which standeth in five [ sic ] degrees southward of the line, we put in betwixt the island and the main, and haled our ships on

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[The Rio de la Plata.]

[The Rio de la Plata.]

From this town there come every year four or five caravels to Bahia 20 in Brasil, and to Angola in Africa, which bring great store of treasure, which is transported overland out of Peru into the River of Plate. There Abraham Cocke, desirous to make his voyage, took some of the Dolphin’s men into his ship, and sent the Dolphin home again, which had not as yet made any voyage. This Portugal merchant carried us to a place in this island, where there was a banished man, 21 which had planted great st

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[A Prisoner of the Portuguese.]

[A Prisoner of the Portuguese.]

Here we were all discomforted for lack of victuals and gave over the voyage, and came to the northward again, to the isle of Sant Sebastian, lying just under the tropic of Capricorn. 26 There we went on shore to catch fish, and some went up into the woods to gather fruit, for we were all in a manner famished. There was at that time a canoe fraught with Indians, that came from the town of Spiritu Sancto. 27 These Indians landed on the west side of the island, and came through the woods and took f

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[Transported to Angola—A Voyage to the Zaire.]

[Transported to Angola—A Voyage to the Zaire.]

When we that were taken had remained four months in the River of Janeiro, I and one Torner 29 were sent to Angola in Africa, to the city of Saint Paul, 30 which standeth in nine degrees to the southward of the equinoctial line. Here I was presently taken out of the ship and put into prison, and sent up the River Quansa, 31 to a town of garrison, which is 130 miles up the river. And being there two months the pilot of the governor’s pinnace died: then I was commanded to carry her down to the city

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§ II.

§ II.

His trading on the coast; offer to escape; imprisonment; exile; escape and new imprisonment; his sending to Elamba and Bahia das Vaccas; many strange occurrences....

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[Trading in Loango.]

[Trading in Loango.]

When I was sent to Longo [Loango], which is fifteen leagues to the northward of the River Zaire, and carried all commodities fit for that country, as long glass beads, and round blue beads, and seed beads, and looking-glasses, blue and red coarse cloth, and Irish rugs, which were very rich commodities. Here we sold our cloth at a great rate, for we had for one yard of cloth three elephants’ teeth, that weighed 120 pounds; and we bought great store of palm-cloth 36 and elephants’ tails. 37 So, in

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[An Attempted Escape.]

[An Attempted Escape.]

Then there came a ship of Holland to the city, the merchant of which ship promised to carry me away. And, when they were ready to depart I went secretly on board, but I was betrayed by Portugals which sailed in the ship, and was fetched on shore by sergeants of the city and put in prison, and lay with great bolts of iron two months, thinking that the governor would have put me to death. But at last I was banished for ever to the Fort of Massangano, to serve in the conquest of those parts. Here I

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[A Second Attempt at Escape.]

[A Second Attempt at Escape.]

In this fort there were Egyptians and Moriscoes that were banished as myself. To one of these Egyptians 38 I brake my mind, and told him that it were better for us to venture our lives for our liberty than to live in that miserable place. This Egyptian was as willing as myself, and told me he would procure ten of his consorts to go with us. So we got three Egyptians and seven Portugals. That night we got the best canoe that we could find, and went down the river Cuanza, and being as far down as

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[Surrenders to a Portuguese Captain.]

[Surrenders to a Portuguese Captain.]

Thus, being all alone, I bethought myself that if the negroes did take me in the woods they would kill me: wherefore, thinking to make a better end among the Portugals and Mulatoes, I came presently out of the wood with my musket ready charged, making none account of my life. But the captain, thinking that we had been all twelve together, called to me and said: “Fellow Soldier, I have the governor’s pardon; if you will yield yourselves you shall have no hurt.” I, having my musket ready, answered

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[A campaign in Lamba.]46

[A campaign in Lamba.]46

At that time the governor sent four hundred men, that were banished out of Portugal, up into the country of Elambe. Then I was with proclamation through the city banished for ever to the wars, and marched with them to Sowonso, 47 which is a lord that obeyeth the Duke of Bamba; from thence to Samanibansa, and then to Namba Calamba, which is a great lord, who did resist us. But we burnt his town, and then he obeyed us, and brought three thousand warlike negroes to us. From thence [we marched] to S

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[A Voyage to Benguella.]

[A Voyage to Benguella.]

Then the governor sent a fregatte to the southward, with sixty soldiers, myself being one of the company, and all kinds of commodities. We turned up to the southward until we came into twelve degrees. Here we found a fair sandy bay. The people of this place brought us cows and sheep, wheat 56 and beans; but we staid not there, but came to Bahia das Vaccas: that is, the Bay of Cows, which the Portugals call Bahia de Torre, 57 because it hath a rock like a tower. Here we rode on the north side of

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§ III.

§ III.

Discovery of the Gagas: their wars, man-eating; overrunning countries. His trade with them, betraying, escape to them, and living with them; with many strange adventures. And also the rites and manner of life observed by the Iagges or Gagas, which no Christian could ever know well but this author. 64...

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[A Second Voyage to Benguella.]

[A Second Voyage to Benguella.]

In our second voyage, turning up along the coast, we came to the Morro, or cliff of Benguelle, 65 which standeth in twelve degrees of southerly latitude. Here we saw a mighty camp on the south side of the river Cova. 66 And being desirous to know what they were, we went on shore with our boat; and presently there came a troop of five hundred men to the waterside. We asked them who they were. Then they told us that they were the Gagas, or Gindes, that came from Sierra de lion [Serra Leôa], 67 and

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[Among the Jagas.]

[Among the Jagas.]

Being ready to depart, the great Giaga staid us, and desired our boat to pass his men over the river Cova, for he determined to overrun the realm of Benguele, which was on the north side of the river Cova. So we went with him to his camp, which was very orderly, entrenched with piles of wood; we had houses provided for us that night, and many burthens [loads] of palm-wine, cows, goats and flour. In the morning, before day, the general did strike his gongo , 69 which is an instrument of war that

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[March into the Interior.]

[March into the Interior.]

Being loth to return without trade, we determined to go up into the land after them. So we went fifty on shore, and left our ship riding in the Bay of Benguela to stay for us. And marching two days up into the country we came to a great lord which is called Mofarigosat; and coming to his first town we found it burnt to the ground, for the Gagas had passed and taken the spoil. To this lord we sent a negro which we had bought of the Gagas, and [who] lived with us, and bid him say that he was one o

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[Left as an Hostage.]

[Left as an Hostage.]

The Portugals and Mulatos being desirous to get away from this place, determined to draw lots who should stay; but many of them would not agree to it. At last they consented together that it were fitter to leave me, because I was an Englishman, than any of themselves. Here I was fain to stay perforce. So they left me a musket, powder and shot, promising this lord, Mofarigosat, that within two months they would come again and bring a hundred men to help him in his wars, and to trade with him. But

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[He joins the Jagas.]

[He joins the Jagas.]

And having travelled all that night, the next day I came to a great town which was called Cashil, which stood in a mighty overgrown thicket. Here I was carried into the town, to the lord Cashil. And all the town, great and small, came to wonder at me, for in this place there was never any white man seen. Here were some of the great Gaga’s men, which I was glad to see, and went with these Gagas to Calicansamba, where the camp was. This town of the lord Cashil is very great and is so overgrown wit

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[Military Organisation of the Jagas.]

[Military Organisation of the Jagas.]

There were in the camp of the Gagas twelve captains. The first, called Imbe Calandola, 89 their general, a man of great courage. He warreth all by enchantment, and taketh the Devil’s counsel in all his exploits. He is always making of sacrifices 90 to the Devil, and doth know many times what shall happen unto him. He believeth that he shall never die but in the wars. There is no image among them, but he useth certain ceremonies. He hath straight laws to his soldiers: for, those that are faint-he

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[A River of Gold.]

[A River of Gold.]

These Gagas told us of a river that is to the southward of the Bay of Vaccas, 93 that hath great store of gold: and that they gathered up great store of grains of gold upon the sand, which the fresh water driveth down in the time of rain. We found some of this gold in the handles of their hatchets, which they use to engrave with copper; and they called it copper also, and do not esteem it....

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[Palm Wine.]

[Palm Wine.]

These Gagas delight in no country, but where there is great store of Palmares, or groves of palms. For they delight greatly in the wine and in the fruit of the palm, which serveth to eat and to make oil. And they draw their wine contrary to the Imbondos. 94 These palm-trees are six or seven fathoms high, and have no leaves but in the top: and they have a device to go up to the top of the tree, and lay no hands on it, and they draw the wine in the top of the tree in a bottle. But these Gagas cut

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[Jaga Raids.]

[Jaga Raids.]

When they settle themselves in any country, they cut down as many palms as will serve them wine for a month: and then as many more, so that in a little time they spoil the country. They stay no longer in a place than it will afford them maintenance. And then in harvest-time they arise, and settle themselves in the fruitfullest place they can find; and do reap their enemy’s corn, and take their cattle. For they will not sow, nor plant, nor bring up any cattle, more than they take by wars. 95 When

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[Dress and Ornaments.]

[Dress and Ornaments.]

The great Gaga Calando 97 hath his hair very long, embroidered with many knots of Banba 98 shells, which are very rich among them, and about his neck a collar of masoes , 99 which are also shells, that are found upon that coast, and are sold among them for the worth of twenty shillings a shell: and about his middle he weareth landes , which are beads made of the ostrich eggs. 100 He weareth a palm-cloth about his middle, as fine as silk. His body is carved and cut with sundry works, and every da

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[Infanticide.]

[Infanticide.]

The women are very fruitful, but they enjoy none of their children: for as soon as the woman is delivered of her child, it is presently buried quick [alive], so that there is not one child brought up in all this generation. 105 But when they take any town they keep the boys and girls of thirteen or fourteen years of age as their own children. But the men and women they kill and eat. These little boys they train up in the wars, and hang a collar about their necks for a disgrace, which is never ta

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[Human Sacrifices.]108

[Human Sacrifices.]108

When the great Gaga Calandola undertaketh any great enterprise against the inhabitants of any country, he maketh a sacrifice to the Devil, in the morning, before the sun riseth. He sitteth upon a stool, having upon each side of him a man-witch: then he hath forty or fifty women which stand round about him, holding in each hand a zevra [zebra] 109 or wild horse’s tail, wherewith they do flourish and sing. Behind them are great store of petes, ponges, and drums, which always play. In the midst of

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[Burial of the Dead.]

[Burial of the Dead.]

When they bury the dead they make a vault in the ground, and a seat for him to sit. 111 The dead hath his head newly embroidered, his body washed, and anointed with sweet powders. He hath all his best robes put on, and is brought between two men to his grave, and set in seat as though he were alive. He hath two of his wives set with him, with their arms broken, and then they cover over the vault on the top. The inhabitants when they die are buried after the same fashion, and have the most part o

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§ IV.

§ IV.

His return to the Portugals: invasions of diverse countries; abuses; flight from them and living in the woods diverse months; his strange boat, and coming to Loango....

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[João Rodrigues Coutinho’s Campaign, 1602.]

[João Rodrigues Coutinho’s Campaign, 1602.]

Being departed from the Gagas I came to Masangano, where the Portugals have a town of garrison. There was at that time a new Governor, which was called Sienor Iuan Coutinho, 113 who brought authority to conquer the mines or mountains of Cambamba; and to perform that service the King of Spain had given him seven years’ custom off all the slaves and goods that were carried thence to the West Indies, Brazil, or whithersoever, with condition that he should build three castles, one in Demba, 114 whic

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[Manuel Cerveira Pereira carries on the war.]

[Manuel Cerveira Pereira carries on the war.]

After we had been two months in the country of Angoykayongo we marched towards Cambambe, which was but three days’ journey, and came right against the Serras da Prata, and passed the river Coanza, and presently overran the country, and built a fort hard by the riverside. Here I served two years. They opened the silver-mines, but the Portugals did not like of them as yet, because they yielded small share of silver. 119 This new upstart governor was very cruel to his soldiers, so that all his volu

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[A Trading Trip to Congo.]

[A Trading Trip to Congo.]

Then I went with a Portugal merchant to the province of Bamba, and from thence to the Outeiro [“hill”], or city standing upon a mountain of Congo, 122 from thence to Gongon 123 and Batta, 124 and there we sold our commodities and returned in six months to the city [Loanda] again....

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[Final Escape from Captivity.]

[Final Escape from Captivity.]

Then I purposed to have shipped myself for Spain, and thence homewards. But the Governor denied his word, and commanded me to provide myself within two days to go up to the Conquest again. This Governor had served his three years, 125 and the citizens looked every day for another out of Portugal. So I determined to absent myself for ten or twenty days, till the other Governor came, and then to come to the city again. For every Governor that cometh maketh proclamation for all men that be absent,

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§ V.

§ V.

Of the Province of Engoy [Ngoyo], and other Regions of Loango, with the Customs there observed by the King and People....

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[Kabinda.]

[Kabinda.]

From the Point of the Palmar [Ponta do Palmar], 131 which is the north side of the river Zaire, is the port of Cabenda [Kabinda], 132 where many ships use to water and refresh themselves; and it is five leagues northwards. This place is called, Engoy [Ngoyo], and is the first province of Longo [Loango], and is full of woods and thickets. And seven leagues northwards of that place is the river Cacongo, 133 a very pleasant place and fruitful. Here is great stock of elephants’ teeth, and a boat of

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[The Capital of Loango.]

[The Capital of Loango.]

The town of Mani Longo is three miles from the waterside, and standeth on a great plain. This town is full of palm and plantain-trees and very fresh, and their houses are built under the trees. The streets are wide and long, and always clean swept. The King hath his houses on the west side, and before his door he hath a plain, where he sitteth, when he has any feastings or matters of wars to treat of. From this plain there goeth a great wide street, some musket-shot from the place; and there is

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[A Royal Audience.]

[A Royal Audience.]

The King hath ten great houses, and is never certain to be found but in the afternoon, when he cometh to sit. And then he keepeth always [to] one house. The house is very long, and at twelve of the clock it is full of noblemen. They sit upon carpets upon the ground. The house is always full of people till midnight. The last king, Gembe [Njimbe], 140 never used to speak in the day, but always in the night. But this king speaketh in the day: howbeit he spendeth most of the day with his wives. And

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[The King’s Wives.]142

[The King’s Wives.]142

On the south side of the king’s houses he hath a circuit [compound] or village, where his wives dwell, and in this circuit no man may come on pain of death. He hath in this place one hundred and fifty wives and more. And if any man be taken within this circuit, if he be with a woman, or do but speak to her, they be both brought into the market-place and their heads be cut off, and their bodies quartered, and lie one day in the street. The last king Gymbe [Njimbi], had four hundred children by hi

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[The King Drinks!]

[The King Drinks!]

When the king drinketh he hath a cup of wine brought, and he that bringeth it hath a bell in his hand, and as soon as he hath delivered the cup to the king, he turneth his face from the king and ringeth the bell; and then all that be there fall down upon their faces, and rise not till the king have drunk. And this is very dangerous for any stranger that knoweth not the fashions, for if any seeth the king drink he is presently killed, whatsoever he be. There was a boy of twelve years, which was t

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[The King at Dinner.]144

[The King at Dinner.]144

Likewise for his diet, when it is dinner-time, there is a house of purpose, where he always eateth, and there his diet is set upon a bensa , 145 like a table. Then he goeth in, and hath the door shut. So when he hath eaten, then he knocketh and cometh out. So that none see the king eat nor drink. For it is their belief, that if he be seen eating or drinking, he shall presently die. And this is an order with all kings that now are, or shall succeed, unless they abolish this cruel custom....

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[The King as a Rain-maker.]

[The King as a Rain-maker.]

The king is so honoured as though he were a god among them, and is called Sambe and Pongo, 146 that is God. And they believe that he can give them rain when he listeth. So once a year, when it is time to rain, that is in December, the people come to beg rain and bring their gifts to the king, for none come empty. 147 Then he appointeth the day, and all the lords far and near come to the feast with all their troops, as they go in the wars. And when all the troops of men be before the king, the gr

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[Albinos.]

[Albinos.]

Here are sometimes born in this country white children, which is very rare among them, for their parents are negroes. And when any of them are born, they are presented unto the king and are called Dondos [ Ndundu ]. 152 These are as white as any white man. These are the king’s witches, and are brought up in witchcraft, and always wait on the king. There is no man that dare meddle with these Dondos . If they go to the market they may take what they list, for all men stand in awe of them. The King

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[The Nkishi, or Fetishes.]

[The Nkishi, or Fetishes.]

The king also is a witch, and believeth in two idols which are in Longo. The one is called Mokisso à Longo , the other is called Checocke . 153 This last is a little black image, and standeth in a little house at a village called Kinga, which standeth in the landing-place of Longo. This house of Checocke standeth in the highway, and they that go by clap their hands, which is the courtesy of the country. Those that be craftsmen, as fishermen, hunters, and witches, do offer to this idol, that they

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[Children are born White.]

[Children are born White.]

The children in this country are born white, and change their colour in two days to a perfect black. As, for example, the Portugals, which dwell in the kingdom of Congo, have sometimes children by the negro women, and many times the fathers are deceived, thinking when the child is born it is theirs, and within two days it proveth the son or daughter of a negro; which the Portugals do greatly grieve at, for they rejoice when they have a mulato child, though it be a bastard....

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[The Royal Princes.]

[The Royal Princes.]

The town of Longo [Loango] standeth in the midst of four Lordships, and is governed by four Princes, which are the King’s sisters’ sons, for the King’s sons can never be kings. The first is Mani Cabango, 156 the second Mani Salag, the third Mani Bock, the fourth Mani Cay. This Mani Cay is next to be king, and hath his train and court as a Prince. And when the King dieth he cometh presently into the seat of the King. Then, Mani Bock cometh to Cay, Mani Salag cometh to Bock, and Mani Cabango comet

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[The Kings Mother.]

[The Kings Mother.]

The mother of these Princes is called Mani Lombo, 157 and she is the highest and chief woman in all the land. She maketh choice of her husband, and when she is weary of him she putteth him away, and taketh another. Her children are greatly honoured, and whosoever passeth by them kneel down and clap their hands, which is the courtesy of the country. These Lordships are champaign grounds, and full of corn and fruit....

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[Palm Cloth.]158

[Palm Cloth.]158

The men in this kingdom make good store of palm-cloth of sundry sorts, very fine and curious. They are never idle: for they make fine caps of needlework as they go in the streets....

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[The Royal Tombs.]

[The Royal Tombs.]

There is a place two leagues from the town of Longo, called Longeri, 159 where all their kings be buried, and it is compassed round about with elephants’ teeth pitched in the ground, as it were a Pale, and it is ten roods in compass....

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[Europeans Committed to the Sea.]

[Europeans Committed to the Sea.]

These people will suffer no white man to be buried in their land, 160 and if any stranger or Portugal come thither to trade, and chance to die, he is carried in a boat two miles from the shore, and cast into the sea. There was once a Portugal gentleman, that came to trade with them, and had his house on shore. This gentleman died, and was buried some four months. That year it did not rain so soon as it was wont, which beginneth about December, so that they lacked rain for some two months. Then t

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§ VI.

§ VI.

Of the Provinces of Bongo, Calongo, Mayombe, Manikesocke, Motimbas: of the ape-monster Pongo: their Hunting, Idolatries, and divers other observations....

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[Bongo.]

[Bongo.]

To the eastward of Longeri is the Province of Bongo, and it bordereth on Mococke, [of which] the great Angeca 161 is king. In this place is great store of iron, and palm-cloth, and elephants’ teeth, and great store of corn....

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[Cango.]

[Cango.]

To the north-east is the great province of Cango, 162 and it is fourteen days journey from the town of Longo. This place is full of mountains and rocky ground, and full of woods, and hath great store of copper. The elephants in this place do excel, and there are so many that the people of Longo hath great store of elephants’ teeth, and bring them to the port of Longo....

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[Calongo.]

[Calongo.]

To the northwards of Longo, three leagues, is the river Quelle: 163 and on the north side is the province of Calongo [Chilunga]. This country is always tilled, and full of corn, and is all plain and champaign ground, and hath great store of honey. Here are two little villages that show at sea like two hummocks, 164 which are the marks to show the port of Longo; and fifteen miles northward is the river Nombo, 165 but it hath no depth for any bark to go in. This province, towards the east, bordere

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[Gorillas and Chimpanzis.]169

[Gorillas and Chimpanzis.]169

The greatest of these two monsters is called Pongo [ Mpungu ] in their language, and the lesser is called Engeco . This Pongo is in all proportions like a man, but that he is more like a giant in stature than a man; for he is very tall, and hath a man’s face, hollow-eyed, with long hair upon his brows. His face and ears are without hair, and his hands also. His body is full of hair, but not very thick, and it is of a dunnish colour. He differeth not from a man but in his legs, for they have no c

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[Hunting Dogs.]

[Hunting Dogs.]

The Morombes 170 use to hunt with their country-dogs, and kill many kinds of little beasts, and great store of pheasants. But their dogs be dumb, and cannot bark at all. 171 They hang wooden clappers about their necks, and follow them by rattling of the clappers. The huntsmen have Petes [whistles], which they whistle their dogs withall. These dogs, in all this country, are very little, with prickt ears, and are for the most part red and dun. The Portugal mastiff dog, or any other great dog, are

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[The Maramba Fetish.]172

[The Maramba Fetish.]172

In the town of Mani Mayombe is a fetish called Maramba, and it standeth in a high basket made like a hive, and over it a great house. This is their house of religion, for they believe only in him, and keep his laws, and carry his reliques always with them. They are for the most part witches, and use their witchcraft for hunting and killing of elephants and fishing, and helping of sick and lame men, and to forecast journeys, whether they shall speed well or evil. By this Maramba are all thefts an

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[Sette.]

[Sette.]

From Cape Negro northward is a great Lord called Mani Seat, 177 which has the greatest store of elephants’ teeth of any Lord in the kingdom of Longo, for his people practice nothing else but to kill elephants. And two of these negroes will easily kill an elephant with their darts. And here is great store of logwood....

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[Mani Kesock.]178

[Mani Kesock.]178

There is another Lord, to the eastward, which is called Mani Kesock, and he is eight days’ journey from Mayombe. Here I was with my two negro boys to buy elephants’ hairs and tails. And in a month I bought twenty thousand, which I sold to the Portugals for thirty slaves, and all my charges borne. From this place I sent one of my negro boys to Mani Seat with a looking-glass. He did esteem it much, and sent me four elephants’ teeth (very great) by his own men, and desired me to cause the Portugals

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[Pygmy Elephant-Hunters.]

[Pygmy Elephant-Hunters.]

To the north-east of Mani Kesock are a kind of little people called Matimbas, 180 which are no bigger than boys of twelve years old, but are very thick, and live only upon flesh, which they kill in the woods with their bows and darts. They pay tribute to Mani Kesock, and bring all their elephants’ teeth and tails to him. They will not enter into any of the Marombos 181 houses, nor will suffer any to come where they dwell; and if by chance any Maramba, or people of Longo [Loango], pass where they

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[Poison Ordeals.]

[Poison Ordeals.]

When any man is suspected of any offence he is carried before the king, or before Mani Bomma [Mamboma], 182 which is, as it were, a judge under the king. And if it be upon matter that he denieth, and cannot be proved but by their oath, then the suspected person is thus sworn: they have a kind of root which they call Imbondo [ mbundu ]. 183 This root is very strong, and is scraped into water. The virtue of this root is, that if they put too much of it into water, the person that drinketh it canno

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[Death and Witchcraft.]190

[Death and Witchcraft.]190

In this country none of any account dieth but they kill another for him, for they believe they die not of their own natural death, but that some other hath bewitched them to death. And all those are brought in by the friends of the dead which they suspect, so that many times there come five hundred men and women to take the drink made of the foresaid root Imbonda [ mbundu ]. They are brought all to the high street or market-place, and there the master of the Imbonda sitteth with his water, and g

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§ VII.

§ VII.

Of the Zebra and Hippopotamus; The Portugal Wars in those parts; the Fishing, Grain, and other things remarkable....

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[Domestic Animals.]

[Domestic Animals.]

In this kingdom there is no kind of tame cattle but goats, for none other cattle will live here. Oxen and kine have been brought hither, but they presently die. The hens in this place do so abound that a man may buy thirty for the worth of sixpence in beads. 191...

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[Wild Birds.]

[Wild Birds.]

Here is store of pheasants, and great plenty of partridges and wild fowl. Here is a kind of fowl that lives in the land bigger than a swan, and they are like a heron, with long legs and long necks, and it is white or black, and hath in her breast a bare place without feathers, where she striketh with her beak. This is the right Pelican, and not those sea-birds which the Portugals call pelicans, which are white and as big as geese, and these abound in this country also....

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[The Zebra.]

[The Zebra.]

Here is also the zevera or zebra, which is like a horse, but that his mane, his tail, his strakes and divers colours down his sides and legs do make a difference. These zeveras are all wild and live in great herds, and will suffer a man to come within shot of them, and let them shoot three or four times at them before they will run away. 192...

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[The Hippopotamus.]

[The Hippopotamus.]

Moreover, there are great store of sea or river horses, which feed always on the land, and live only by grass, and they be very dangerous in the water. They are the biggest creature in this country, except the elephant. They have great virtue in the claws of their left forefoot, and have four claws on every foot, like the claws of an ox. The Portugals make rings of them, and they are a present remedy for the flux....

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[Portuguese dealings with the Natives.]

[Portuguese dealings with the Natives.]

The Portugals make war against the negroes in this manner. They have out of Congo a nobleman, which is known to be a good Christian and of good behaviour. He bringeth out of Congo some one hundred negroes that are his followers. This Macicongo [ mwishi-Kongo ]is made Tandala , 193 or general over the black camp, and hath authority to kill, to put down Lords and make Lords, and hath all the chief doings with the negroes. And when any Lord cometh to obey he first cometh to Tandala and bringeth his

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[Fishing.]

[Fishing.]

They use upon this coast to fish with harping irons, and wait upon a great fish that cometh once a day to fish along the shore, which is like a grampus. He runneth very near the shore and driveth great shoals of fish before him; and the negroes run along the shore as fast as they are able to follow him, and strike their harping irons round about him, and kill great store of fish, and leave them upon the sand till, the fish hath done feeding; and then they come and gather their fish up. This fish

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[“Corn.”]

[“Corn.”]

They have four sorts of corn in Longo. The first is called Masanga , 196 and it groweth upon a straw as big as a reed, and hath an ear a foot long, and is like hempseed. The second is called Masembala . 197 This is of great increase, for of one kernel there springs four or five canes, which are ten foot high, and they bear half a pint of corn apiece. This grain is as big as tares, and very good. Thirdly, they have another that groweth low like grass, and is very like mustard-seed: and this is th

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[Ground-nuts.]

[Ground-nuts.]

They have very good Peason [peas], somewhat bigger than ours, but they grow not as ours do; for the pods grow on the roots, underneath the ground, and by their leaves they know when they be ripe. 200 They have another kind of Peason, which they call Wando . 201 This is a little tree, and the first year that it is planted it beareth no fruit; but after, it beareth fruit three years, and then it is cut down. 202...

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[Plantains, or Bananas.]

[Plantains, or Bananas.]

Their plantain trees bear fruit but once, and then are cut down, and out of the root thereof spring three or four young trees....

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[Bees and the Baobab.]

[Bees and the Baobab.]

They have great store of honey, which hangeth in the Elicondy trees. 203 They gather it with a hollow piece of wood, or chest, which they hang in the top of the tree, and once a year it is full, by smoke rewarding the laborious creatures with robbery, exile, death. [Purchas here adds in the margin, “out of Battell’s own reports”:— This Alicunde or Elicondi tree is very tall and exceeding great, some as big as twelve men can fathom, spreading like an oak. Some of them are hollow, and from the lib

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[Palm Trees.]

[Palm Trees.]

Of their palm trees, which they keep with watering and cutting every year, they make velvets, satins, taffetas, damasks, sarsenets, and such like; out of the leaves, cleansed and purged, drawing long threads and even, for that purpose. They draw wine (as it is said) from the palm-tree. There is another kind of palm-tree which beareth a fruit good for the stomach and for the liver, and most admirable. 205...

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[A Crocodile Story.]

[A Crocodile Story.]

One crocodile was so huge and greedy that he devoured an Alibamba , 206 that is, a chained company of eight or nine slaves, but the indigestible iron paid him his wages, and murdered the murderer, found afterwards in his belly. I have seen them watch their prey, hauling in gennet, man, or other creature, into the water. But one soldier thus wrapt in shallower water drew his knife, took his taker in the belly, and slew him....

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RELIGION AND THE CUSTOMS

RELIGION AND THE CUSTOMS

The following notes on the religion and customs of the Negroes of Angola, Congo and Loango, are taken from Book vii, chapters ix and x, of Purchas His Pilgrimage, or Relations of the World and the Religions observed in all Ages and Places discovered from the Creation unto this Present . London (H. Fetherstone), 1617. This account is a compilation. Purchas quotes, among others, Duarte Lopez, De Barros, Osorio, Marmol, and Du Jarric. In what follows, we confine ourselves to the oral information wh

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Chap. IX, § I.—Angola. [The Slave Trade.]

Chap. IX, § I.—Angola. [The Slave Trade.]

M ASTER THOMAS TURNER, one that had lived a long time in Brasil, and had also been at Angola, reported to me 207 that it was supposed eight and twenty thousand slaves (a number almost incredible, yet such as the Portugals told him) were yearly shipped from Angola and Congo, at the Haven of Loanda. 208 He named to me a rich Portugal in Brasil, which had ten thousand of his own, working in his Ingenios 209 (of which he had eighteen) and in his other employments. His name was John du Paus, exiled f

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[Fetishes.]

[Fetishes.]

To return to Angola, we may add the report of another of our countrymen, Andrew Battell (my near neighbour, dwelling at Leigh, in Essex) who served under Manuel Silvera Pereira, 211 Governor under the King of Spain, at his city of St. Paul, and with him went far into the country of Angola, their army being eight hundred Portugals and fifty thousand Naturals. This Andrew Battell telleth that they are all heathens in Angola. They had their idols of wood in the midst of their towns, fashioned like

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[Trial by Ordeal.]

[Trial by Ordeal.]

They have another more solemn oath in trial of controversies: this trial is called Motamba , 215 for which purpose they lay a kind of hatchet, which they have, in the fire, and the Ganga-Mokisso , or Mokisso’s Priest, 216 taketh the same red-hot, and draweth it near to the skin of the accused party; and if there be two, he causeth their legs to be set near together, and draweth this hot iron without touching between them; if it burns, that party is condemned as guilty, otherwise he is freed....

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[Burial.]217

[Burial.]217

For the ceremonies about the dead, they first wash him, then paint him, thirdly apparel him in new clothes, and then bring him to his grave, which is made like a vault, after it is digged a little way down, undermined, and made spacious within; and there set him on a seat of earth, with his beads (which they use on chains and bracelets for ornament), and the most part of his goods, with him in his last home. They kill goats and shed the blood in the graves, and pour wine there in memorial of the

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[Dogs.]218

[Dogs.]218

... Andrew Battell saith that the Dogs in these countries are all of one sort, prick-eared curs of a mean bigness, which they use also to hunt with, but they open not (for they cannot bark), and therefore they hang clappers made of little boards about their necks. He hath seen a mastiff sold for three slaves.......

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[Quizama.]

[Quizama.]

This kingdom [of Angola] hath many lordships subject thereto, as far as the sea-coast as Cape Negro. Towards a lake called Aquelunda 219 lieth a country called Quizama, the inhabitants whereof being governed after the manner of a commonwealth, have showed themselves friendly to the Portugals, and helped them in their wars against Angola. The houses in Angola are made in fashion like a bee-hive....

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[Women and the Moon.]

[Women and the Moon.]

The women at the first sight of the new moon, turn up their bums in despite, as offended with their menstruous courses, which they ascribe unto her. [ Horses’ Tails. ] 220 The men sometimes, in a valorous resolution, will devote themselves unto some haughty attempt in the wars; and, taking leave of the king, will vow never to return until they bring him a horse-head, or some other thing, very dangerous in the enterprise, and will either do it or die. Horse-tails are great jewels, and two slaves

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Chapter IX, § II.—Of Congo. [A Crocodile Story.]221

Chapter IX, § II.—Of Congo. [A Crocodile Story.]221

... Andrew Battell told me of a huge crocodile which was reported to have eaten a whole Alibamba , that is, a company of eight or nine slaves chained together, and at last paid for his greediness: the chain holding him slave, as before it had the negroes, and by his undigestible nature devouring the devourer; remaining in the belly of him after he was found, in testimony of this victory. He hath seen them watch and take their prey, haling a gennet, man, or other creature into the water. A soldie

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Chapter IX, § III.—Of their ... Strange Trees....

Chapter IX, § III.—Of their ... Strange Trees....

Having stated that they use in Congo to make “clothes of the Enzanda tree, 222 of which some write the same things that are reported of the Indian fig-tree,” that it sends forth a hairy substance from the branches, which no sooner touch the ground but they take root, and grow up in such sort, that one tree would multiply itself into a wood if nature set not some obstacle (a marginal note adds that “Andrew Battell saith that the tree which thus strangely multiplieth itself is called the Manga tre

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Chapter X, § I.—Of Loango. [Offerings.]

Chapter X, § I.—Of Loango. [Offerings.]

... Andrew Battell lived among them [the Bramas of Loango] 230 for two years and a half. They are, saith he, heathens, and observe many superstitions. They have their Mokissos or images [ nkishi ] to which they offer in proportion to their sorts and suits; 231 the fisher offereth fish when he sueth for his help in his fishing; the countryman, wheat; the weaver, Alibungos , 232 [that is] pieces of cloth; others bring bottles of wine; all wanting that they would have, and bringing what they want,

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[Funeral Rites.]

[Funeral Rites.]

Their ceremonies for the dead are divers. They bring goats and let them bleed at the Mokisso’s foot, which they after consume in a feasting memorial of the deceased party, which is continued four or five days together, and that four or five several times in the year, by all his friends and kindred. The days are known, and though they dwell twenty miles thence, yet they will resort to these memorial exequies, and, beginning in the night, will sing doleful and funeral songs till day, and then kill

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[Prohibitions—Taboo.]

[Prohibitions—Taboo.]

Their conceit is so ravished with superstition that many die of none other death. Kin 234 is the name of unlawful and prohibited meat, which, according to each kindred’s devotion, to some family is some kind of fish; to another a hen; to another, a buffe [beef]; and so of the rest: in which they observe their vowed abstinence so strictly that if any should (though all unawares) eat of his Kin , he would die of conceit, always presenting to his accusing conscience the breach of his vow, and the a

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[Poison Ordeal.]238

[Poison Ordeal.]238

They have a dreadful and deadly kind of trial in controversies, after this manner: there is a little tree, or shrub, with a small root (it is called Imbunda ) about the bigness of one’s thumb, half a foot long, like a white carrot. Now, when any listeth to accuse a man, or a family, or whole street, of the death of any of his friends, saying, that such a man bewitched him, the Ganga assembleth the accused parties, and scrapes that root, the scrapings whereof he mixeth with water, which makes it

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[Albinos.]241

[Albinos.]241

There be certain persons called Dunda [ ndundu ], which are born by negro parents, and yet are, by some unknown cause, white. They are very rare, and when such happen to be born, they are brought to the king, and become great witches: they are his councillors, and advise him of lucky and unlucky days for execution of his enterprises. When the king goes any whither the Dundas go with him, and beat the ground round about with certain exorcisms before the king sits down, and then sit down by him. T

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[The Gumbiri Fetish.]

[The Gumbiri Fetish.]

Kenga is the landing-place of Loanga. They have there an idol called Gumbiri , and a holy house called Munsa Gumbiri , 242 kept and inhabited by an old woman, where once a year is a solemn feast, which they celebrate with drums, dances, and palm-wines; and then, they say, he speaketh under the ground. The people call him Mokisso Cola , 243 or a strong Mokisso , and say, that he comes to stay with Chekoke , the idol of the banza. That Chekoke is a negro image, made sitting on a stool; a little ho

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[Possessed of the Fetish.]

[Possessed of the Fetish.]

Sometimes it falls out that some man or boy is taken with some sudden enthusiasm, or ravishment, becoming mad, and making a whooping and great clamours. They call them Mokisso-Moquat 245 that is, taken of the Mokisso . They clothe them very handsomely, and whatever they bid in that fit (for it lasteth not very long), they execute as the Mokisso’s charge....

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[The Maramba Fetish.]246

[The Maramba Fetish.]246

Morumba 247 is thirty leagues northwards from hence, in the Mani Loango’s dominions, where he [Battell] lived nine months. There is a house, and in it a great basket, proportioned like to a hive, wherein is an image called Morumba , whose religion extendeth far. They are sworn to this religion at ten or twelve years old; but, for probation are first put in a house, where they have hard diet, and must be mute for nine or ten days, any provocation to speak notwithstanding. Then do they bring him b

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Chap. X, § III.—Of the Giacchi, or Iagges.249 [Origin of the Jagas.]

Chap. X, § III.—Of the Giacchi, or Iagges.249 [Origin of the Jagas.]

... Andrew Battel lived (by occasion of the Portugals treachery) with the Iagges a longer time than ever any Christian or white man had done, namely, sixteen months, and served them with their [his] musket in the wars; neither could Lopez (saith he) have true intelligence whence they came, 250 for the Christians at that time had but uncertain conjectures of them: neither after had the Portugals any conversing, but by way of commerce; but he, being betrayed, fled to them for his life, and after,

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[Infanticide among the Jaga.]

[Infanticide among the Jaga.]

They rise in harvest, and invading some country, there stay as long as they find the palms, or other sufficient means of maintenance, and then seek new adventure. For they neither plant nor sow, nor breed up cattle, and, which is more, strange, they nourish up none of their own children, although they have ten or twenty wives a man, of the properest and comeliest slaves they can take. But when they are in travail they dig a hole in the earth, which presently receiveth in that dark prison of deat

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[Human Sacrifices.]

[Human Sacrifices.]

They have no fetissos , or idols. The great Iagge, or Prince, is master of all their ceremonies, and a great witch. I have seen this Kelandula (sayth our author) continue a sacrifice from sun to sun, the rites whereof are these: himself sat on a stool, in great pomp, with a cap adorned with peacocks’ feathers (which fowls, in one country called Shelambanza , 257 are found wild; and in one place, empaled about the grave of the king, are fifty kept and fed by an old woman, and are called Ingilla M

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APPENDIX I.

APPENDIX I.

M ASTER ANTHONY KNIVET joined the second expedition of Thomas Cavendish, which left England in August, 1591. He seems to have served on board the Roebuck , of which vessel one Cocke was captain. Nothing in his narrative enables us to identify this Cocke with the Abraham Cocke of Limehouse, who was “never heard of more” after he parted from Battell on the coast of Brazil in 1590, nor with the Abram Cocke who, according to Knivet, put in at the Ilha Grande in 1598, in the hope of making prizes of

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APPENDIX II.

APPENDIX II.

I F traditions may be accepted where written history fails us, the foundation of the Empire of Kongo lies back no further than the middle of the fifteenth century. The founder of the dynasty and first King of Kongo—Ntotela ntinu nekongo—was Nimi a Lukeni, the son of Nimi a nzima and of Lukeni lua nsanzi, the daughter of Nsa ku ki-lau. His father appears to have been a mere village chief in Kurimba (Corimba), 293 a district of the kingdom of Kwangu. He had established himself at a ferry on a grea

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APPENDIX III.

APPENDIX III.

1. Ntinu mini a lukeni. 2. Nanga kia ntinu, his nephew or cousin. 3. — — 4. Nkuwu a ntinu, son of No. 1. 5. João I Nzinga a nkuwu, son of No. 4, baptised May 3rd, 1491, died 1509. 6. Mpanzu a nzinga (Mpanzu a kitima?), second son of No. 5, 1509. 7. Affonso I Mbemba a nzinga (Mbemba nelumbu), eldest son of No. 5, 1509-40. 8. Pedro I Nkanga a mbemba, son of No. 7, 1540-44. 9. Francisco Mpudi a nzinga, 1544-46. 10. Diogo Nkumbi a mpudi, son of No. 9, 1546-61. 11. Affonso II Mpemba a

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APPENDIX IV.

APPENDIX IV.

The inhabitants of S. Thomé were granted permission in 1500 387 to trade as far as the Kongo river; but it is just possible that long before that time, and notwithstanding an interdict of 1504, they had felt their way southward along the coast, and had discovered that a profitable trade, not hampered by the presence of royal officials or “farmers,” might be carried on at Luandu, and up a river which, after the King of the country, was called the river of Ngola (Angola). Several years afterwards,

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APPENDIX V.

APPENDIX V.

1. Paulo Dias de Novaes, February, 1575; October,1589. 2. 513 Luiz Serrão, captain-major, 1589-91. 3. 513 André Ferreira Pereira, 1591, to June, 1592. 4. D. Francisco d’Almeida, June 24th, 1592, to April 8th, 1593. 5. 513 D. Jeronymo d’Almeida, 1593-4. 6. João Furtado de Mendonça, August 1st, 1594, to 1602. 7. João Rodrigues Coutinho, appointed January 23rd, 1601; arrived in 1602. 8. 513 Manuel Cerveira Pereira, 1603-7. 9. D. Manuel Pereira Forjaz, end of 1607; died April 11th, 1611. 10. 513 Ben

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