Queen Nzingha

Gold Leaf and Acrylic on Wood Panel

2021

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Created by Mark Steven Greenfield as a part of his series, "Hey-Lo".

Nzingha Mbande (c. 1583 – 1663) was Queen of the Ambundu Kingdoms of Ndongo and Matamba, located in present-day northern Angola. She ruled during a period of rapid growth in the African slave trade and encroachment of the Portuguese Empire into South West Africa. Nzinga fought for the independence of her kingdoms against the Portuguese in a reign that lasted 37 years. Today, she is remembered in Angola as the Mother of Angola, the fighter of negotiations, and the protector of her people. She is still honored throughout Africa as a remarkable leader and woman, for her political and diplomatic acumen, as well as her brilliant military tactics.