Alvaro III of Kongo to Philip III of Portugal Establishing Mutually Beneficial Relations Between the Two Countries and Explaining Kongo’s Deteriorating Relationship with the Province of Soyo
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.The correspondence of Kongo leaders constitutes a key source on world affairs from a pre-colonial Kongo perspective. From the sixteenth century on the reigns of Kongo sovereigns were tumultuous in light of competing claims for succession and challenges for influence from neighboring rulers. Under Alvaro II (r. 1587–1614), the sovereignty of the key province of Soyo was granted to a nobleman in exchange for his allegiance against rival factions. Centralized royal power continued to disintegrate, under his successor, Alvaro III (r. 1615–22), as reflected in this letter concerning ongoing strained relations with Soyo.
Artwork Details
- Title: Alvaro III of Kongo to Philip III of Portugal Establishing Mutually Beneficial Relations Between the Two Countries and Explaining Kongo’s Deteriorating Relationship with the Province of Soyo
- Date: October 24,1615
- Geography: Angola, Mbanza Kongo
- Culture: Kongo Kingdom
- Medium: Ink on paper, 2 folios
- Dimensions: 2 folios, 8 7/8 × 12 in. (22.6 × 30.5 cm)
- Classification: Documents
- Credit Line: Arquivo Nacional da Torre do Tombo, Lisbon
- Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing