The Kingdom of the Kongo was ruled by the "Manikongo" or king. The king ruled along with councilors, governors, clan elders, priests and electors. There where 12 councilors, four of which were women. Unlike many monarchies, Manikongo could not make any major decisions without the approval of his councilors. Also unlike monarchies, there was no system of primogeniture. Clan elders chose one of the sons of the dying kings wives.
There were 3 levels of society in the Kongo Kingdom: The royal court, the villagers, and the slaves. However, the King was still the highest power. Yet,he still divided power unto his governors. The governors were responsible for administration, taxation, and in the late 15th century organizing an army that would consist of slaves. Because the Portuguese became frequent visitors of the Kongo, they also established themselves in society. Many became members of the court by marrying into nobility or serving in minor positions of the court.
The Structure of Society
The Kingdom of the Kongo was ruled by the "Manikongo" or king. The king ruled along with councilors, governors, clan elders, priests and electors. There where 12 councilors, four of which were women. Unlike many monarchies, Manikongo could not make any major decisions without the approval of his councilors. Also unlike monarchies, there was no system of primogeniture. Clan elders chose one of the sons of the dying kings wives.
There were 3 levels of society in the Kongo Kingdom: The royal court, the villagers, and the slaves. However, the King was still the highest power. Yet,he still divided power unto his governors. The governors were responsible for administration, taxation, and in the late 15th century organizing an army that would consist of slaves. Because the Portuguese became frequent visitors of the Kongo, they also established themselves in society. Many became members of the court by marrying into nobility or serving in minor positions of the court.