A Report of the Kingdom of Congo and of the Surrounding Countries Drawn Out of the Writings and Discourses of the Portuguese, Duarte Lopez, by Filippo Pigafetta, in Rome, 1591 Cambridge Library Collection - African Studies Series

In this 1591 work, the Italian mathematician Filippo Pigafetta (1533?1604) explains that he was ordered by Pope Sixtus V to transcribe the account of Duarte Lopez, a Portuguese trader who had spent twelve years in the Congo. Lopez had hoped that the pope would give him support in his mission to the Congolese, but this was not forthcoming: he returned to Africa, and was not heard from again. The work was first translated into English by the English antiquary Abraham Hartwell: this translation with notes by Margarite Hutchinson was published in 1881. Lopez's narrative gives a detailed account of his voyage on his uncle's ship, and the history and geography of the kingdom of Congo and its six administrative regions under the rule of its king (named by Lopez 'Don Alvarez'). This fascinating account demonstrates the extent of Portuguese exploration across West Africa in the sixteenth century, of which later explorers were unaware.

Preface; Introduction; Part I: 1. Voyage from Lisbon to the kingdom of Congo; 2. Of the climate of the kingdom of Congo, and of the colour of its inhabitants; 3. Concerning the colour of the children of Portugeuse whose mothers are natives of Congo; 4. Of the circumference of the kingdom of Congo, its divisions, and boundaries; 5. Of the northern side of the kingdom of Congo and its boundaries; 6. Of the eastern boundaries of the kingdom of Congo; 7. Of the boundaries of the kingdom of Congo towards the south and west; 8. Of the extent of the kingdom of Congo in possession of the king at this day; 9. Of the province of Songo; 10. Of the third region, called Sundi; 11. Of the fourth province, called pango; 12. Of the fifth region, called Batta; 13. Of the sixth and last country, called Pemba; Part II: 1. Of the sire of the royal city of the kingdom of Congo; 2. Of the origins of Christianity in Congo; 3. Death of King Dom Joao, first Christian king; 4. Death of King Dom Alfonso, and succession of Dom Pedro; 5. Incursions of people called Jagas into the kingdom of Congo; 6. The king of Portugal sends aid and an ambassador to the king of Congo; 7. Of the court of the king of Congo; 8. Of the countries beyond the kingdom of Congo; 9. Of the kingdom of Sofala; 10. Of the rest of the sea-coast as far as the Red Sea; Notes.