Kamana, Queen of Jinga facts for kids
Kamana, Queen of Jinga (died 1810) was a powerful queen who ruled the Kingdom of Jinga in what is now Angola. She was queen from 1767 until her death in 1810.
Kamana was the daughter of Queen Ana III Guterres. In 1767, her mother was removed from power and killed by her nephew, Francisco II Kalwete ka Mbandi. This event caused a big problem over who should rule next. Kamana and her sister, Princess Murili, decided to leave. They went to a place called Kidona in Kwanza. There, they declared their own kingdom, the Kingdom of Jinga, with Kamana as its queen. They believed Kamana had a stronger claim to rule than Francisco II, so they created a rival kingdom right inside his territory.
A Long Conflict for Power
This disagreement between Kamana and Francisco II lasted for many years. It was a long struggle for control. Finally, in the year 1800, they reached an agreement. Francisco II officially recognized the Kingdom of Jinga. He also accepted Kamana's right to rule her kingdom.
The larger Kingdom of Ndongo and Matamba remained divided. It was not brought back together until 1810. In that year, both Francisco II and Queen Kamana passed away. The Portuguese, who were a European power in the region, supported Kamana's son, Ndala Kamana. He successfully united the kingdoms under his rule. Ndala Kamana ruled from 1810 until 1833.
Her Son
