Okinka Pampa facts for kids

Okinka Pampa Kanyimpa, sometimes called Kanjimpa, was a powerful queen and spiritual leader of the Bijagos people. She lived on the island of Orango, which is part of the Bissagos Islands in Guinea-Bissau. She was known for protecting her people and their traditions.

Okinka Pampa Kanyimpa: Queen of Orango

Who was Okinka Pampa Kanyimpa?

Okinka Pampa Kanyimpa was a special leader. She was a queen and also a priestess for the Bijagos people. The Bijagos live on the Bissagos Islands, which are off the coast of Guinea-Bissau in Africa. Queen Pampa lived in a place called Angagumé on the island of Orango.

Leading Her People

Around 1910, Queen Pampa Kanyimpa became the ruler of Orango island. She took over from her father, Bankajapa. Her main jobs were to protect the island's ancestors and keep the Bijagos traditions alive. This was a very important role for her people.

Facing the Portuguese

At this time, the country of Portugal wanted to take control of the Bissagos Islands. Portugal saw these islands as a good place to build more trade ports. They hoped this would help their economy. Queen Pampa tried to keep peace and resisted Portugal's plans for a while. Eventually, she signed a peace treaty with them.

Important Changes for Her People

While dealing with Portugal, Queen Pampa also made big changes for her own people. She worked to expand the rights of women. She also ended slavery on the islands. These changes made life better for many people in her community.

Her Lasting Legacy

Okinka Pampa died in 1930 from natural causes. She was the last queen of the Bijago people. Even today, her legacy is celebrated on the islands and on the mainland of Guinea-Bissau. People still honor Okinka Pampa throughout the Bissagos Islands. You can even visit her tomb.