Queen Nzinga part 3: a Diplomatic Win in Portugal

Enzinga, a royal with fluent Portuguese, was appointed ambassador to the Portuguese despite past grievances. She accepted the role to further her political ambitions, setting conditions for her mission. Traveling to Luanda with a grand entourage, she asserted her culture by dressing traditionally. At a diplomatic meeting, she strategically positioned her kingdom as peaceful, refusing to send tributive slaves and demanding the dismantling of Portuguese forts. To solidify her diplomatic efforts, she agreed to be baptized, adopting a Christian name, and returned to Cabassa, though her success was short-lived.

What were the two conditions Enzinga set for accepting the diplomatic mission?

• Having a military escort and being able to return home anytime

• Being able to choose her own attendants and negotiate trade deals

• Receiving a new title and being allowed to dress traditionally

• Negotiating on behalf of the King and being baptized if necessary

How did Enzinga assert her cultural identity upon arriving in Luanda?

• By speaking only in her native language

• By wearing traditional clothing with jewels and feathers

• By performing a traditional dance in the main square

• By refusing to meet the Portuguese officials

What was Enzinga's response to the seating arrangement at her first meeting?

• She refused to attend the meeting

• She demanded a chair be brought for her

• She used one of her attendants as a chair

• She sat on the floor to make a point

What was Enzinga's stance on tributive slaves?

• She agreed to send them as a sign of peace

• She refused to send any, asserting her kingdom's independence

• She offered to send them in exchange for trade benefits

• She was undecided and left it to her brother to decide

How did Enzinga use baptism as a diplomatic tool?

• She used it to gain favor with the Portuguese by adopting a Christian name

• She refused baptism to show her cultural pride

• She used it to convert the Portuguese to her beliefs

• She ignored the concept of baptism entirely