Lady Nzinga

Nzinga was born around 1583 into the royal family of Ndongo, an Ambundu kingdom in central West Africa. Her father was Kilombo kia Kasenda, heir to the Ndongo throne, and her mother was Kengela ka Nkombe, his favored concubine.[10][11] Ten years later, Kilombo was crowned ngola. As she was not a direct heir, Nzinga was able to receive extensive attention from Kilombo without causing familial conflict. She was trained as a warrior, excelling in battle axe combat, and participated in legal and war councils, as well as significant rituals, alongside her father.[12] She also learned to read and write in Portuguese from visiting missionaries.[8] Nzinga, like some high-ranking individuals in certain African societies of the time, had both male and female concubines. Her favorite was Kia Ituxi, with whom she had a son.[12]