Buganda, the largest medieval kingdom in present-day Uganda, was established in the late 14th century and evolved under the leadership of Kabaka Kintu. Over 36 kabakas followed, enduring civil wars due to succession disputes. In 1894, Buganda became a British protectorate, with its influence waning over time. Today, Buganda comprises 17% of Uganda’s population. Continue reading BUGANDA (CA. 1375-1900)
Oyo, a pre-colonial kingdom in present-day Nigeria, was founded in the 1300s. Established by Oranmiyan of the Yoruba people of West Africa, Oyo quickly grew to become one of the most powerful states in the Yoruba-speaking region. From its capital city at Oyo-Ile, this weak state in the early 1500s, had by 1550 conquered two neighboring kingdoms, Borgu and Nupe, to become the most dominant political … Continue reading KINGDOM OF OYO (CA. 1500-1837)
Benin, a pre-colonial kingdom in what is now southwestern Nigeria, is believed to have been established before the eleventh century. It was founded by Edo-speaking peoples, but became more ethnically diverse when invaders from the grasslands of the Sudan settled and intermarried with local women. Based on oral tradition, Benin is said to have begun as family clusters of hunters, gatherers, and agriculturalists who eventually created villages. By … Continue reading Revisit: KINGDOM OF BENIN
Palmares, or Quilombo dos Palmares, was a settlement of fugitive slaves established gradually from the early 1600s to 1694, about 60k inland from the northeast coast of Brazilaround the regions of Pernambuco and Alagoas. Estimates indicated that 10,000 to 20,000 fugitive slaves, native Brazilians, and various outcast groups (such as Jews and Muslims) inhabited Palmares throughout the period. Portuguese colonization, particularly from 1570, brought sugar cane plantations to … Continue reading PALMARES (CA. 1605-1694)
Black Art Story 