Kwilu dynasty
Kwilu,also known as theHouse of Kwilu(Portuguese:Coulo), was akandaor royal lineage of theKingdom of Kongo.
| House of Kwilu Kwilu kanda Casa de Coulo | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Parent house | House of Kilukeni |
| Country |  Kingdom of Kongo
Kingdom of Vungu |
| Founded | 1 February 1568 |
| Founder | Álvaro I |
| Final ruler | Álvaro IV |
| Titles | |
| Deposition | Kingdom of Kongo: 24 February 1636 |
Origins[edit]
Prior to the rise of the Kwilu kanda, theKilukenikanda or House of Lukeni had ruled Kongo since its inception around the end of the 14th century.[1]After the death of KingHenrique I,power passed into the hands ofÁlvaro I.Álvaro I was Henrique I's stepson, which probably explains why a new kanda was formed when he managed to inherit the throne.[2]He came to power in 1567 and named his royal house for the small district in which he was born north of the capital.[3]
Reign[edit]
With the exception of theJagainvasion during the first years of Álvaro I's reign, the House of Kwilu ruled the kingdom without interruption until 4 May 1622. It was then thatÁlvaro IIIdied leaving a son that was too old to be elected. TheKinkangakanda took over from then but was ousted and replaced withAmbrósio Iputting the Kwilu kanda back in power. King Ambrósio was killed during a massive revolt and succeeded by the child Álvaro IV, the last king from the House of Kwilu. No members of the Kwilu gained the throne after 1636, and Kongo was dominated by warring houses claiming descent fromAfonso Ior his relatives.
References[edit]
- ^Thornton, John: "Elite Women in the Kingdom of Kongo: Historical Perspectives on Women's Political Power", page 445. The Journal of African History, Vol. 47, 2006
- ^Thornton, John: "Elite Women in the Kingdom of Kongo: Historical Perspectives on Women's Political Power", page 446. The Journal of African History, Vol. 47, 2006
- ^Thornton, John: "Elite Women in the Kingdom of Kongo: Historical Perspectives on Women's Political Power", page 449. The Journal of African History, Vol. 47, 2006