African Royal Attire Etiquette

King Lewanika was the Lozi Litunga (King) of Barotseland from 1878 to 1916 (aside from a brief break in 1884-5) photographed during his visit to Edinburgh in 1902
– Public domain image source, Wikipedia

An African King…

King Lewanika's costume was rather remarkable. On his head he wore a black, broad brimmed felt hat over a scarlet nightcap. A long bright blue dressing gown, much embroidered with scarlet braid in Manchester style; a flannel shirt, tweed waistcoat, trousers and aggressively new yellow boots completed his costume. This was evidently his holiday attire, for on other days his scarlet nightcap was replaced by a blue Tam O’Shanter and the dressing gown by a shoddy ulster coat.

We seated ourselves opposite the door looking out on the river, while the rest of my party were grouped in a circle round us. It was not etiquette for any but the King and his interpreter to enter the hut, so Letia and the councilors remained outside while we carried on desultory conversation on the subject of our respective journeys, hunting, etc..., enlivened by the gentle tinkling of the piano and the subdued singing of the King's choristers.- Blackwood's Magazine, 1899

 🍽️Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia

19th C. African Royal Hat Etiquette

The de rigueur hat to wear in 1890's Matabele ~ Modern-day Matabeleland is in Zimbabwe. The region is divided into three provinces: Matabeleland North, Bulawayo and Matabeleland South. These provinces are in the west and south-west of Zimbabwe, between the Limpopo and Zambezi rivers.

Late pictures of King Lobengula indicate that a broad brimmed hat, and about enough feathers to make a small feather duster, are de rigeur on all state occasions, according to Matabele etiquette. – Vestkusten, 1893

Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia

Etiquette and African Kings

An early 1800's depiction of the Ashanti Yam Festival

African "Kings and Barons"

African feudalism is said to be strikingly similar to that of Europe in the eighteenth century. At the great annual festival of the Ashantis —the yam custom—all the Caboceers, Captains, and the greater number of tributary Kings or Chiefs are expected to appear at the capital. The Nobles or Captains against whom the King has cause of complaint are then placed on trial. 

Sometimes a Chief who suspects that he has become obnoxious to the King will not trust himself in the capital without the means of defense or intimidation. Sometimes a powerful Caboceer will bring 8000 armed attendants. This is analogous to the dealings of a Monarch of medieval Europe with his great Barons. 

As among other peoples, the office of King is in some cases hereditary and in some cases elective. There are limited and despotic Monarchies. Many African tribes have a "War Lord" who is one and the same as the "Peace Lord." American Indians and other peoples have a similar custom. 

African Chiefs are said to be generally superior to their followers in physique. Compare the Chieftains and Kings of the Germanic and other peoples. The Chiefs of the Gold Coast have their Court forms and etiquette, their own customs and mode of living. African Kings have their insignia of Royalty the same as European potentates. Some Kings surround themselves with a certain amount of mystery and magic. Their persona are held sacred. The same practices and claims are made by rulers in other lands. — 1907

Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia