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King of Loango (Maloango)Engraving from O[lfert] Dapper, Naukeurige Beschrijvinge (Amsterdam), p. 539

Olfert Dapper Dutch

Not on view

Dutch traders who arrived along the Atlantic coast of central Africa in the seventeenth century greatly boosted the trade of Loango elites. Dapper’s work is particularly informed and detailed concerning Loango. In this illustration of the court at Buali, the Maloango, flanked by attendants, sits on a woven wicker seat to which charms are attached. The throne is positioned on a raised dais covered with a large carpet and leopard skins. Behind the king, a wooden board is attached to a staff covered with small pieces of Dutch and Spanish cloth. The Maloango wears imported cloth of European manufacture and the pelts of wildcats, insignia of spiritual power.

King of Loango (Maloango) Engraving from O[lfert] Dapper, Naukeurige Beschrijvinge (Amsterdam), p. 539, Olfert Dapper (Dutch, 1635–1689)

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