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

Versailles Court Etiquette in Africa?

In 2012, the Barotseland royal household in western Zambia demanded independence, accusing the government of ignoring a 1964 treaty. In 1902, Barotseland's King Lewanika visited London for the coronation of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, where he was treated with much respect, and had an audience with King Edward, and an informal meeting with the Prince of Wales. When asked what he would discuss with the British sovereign, he said "When we kings meet, we always have plenty to talk about".

A Gorgeous King: Lewanika, the King of Barotseland, is held in great fear and respect by his people. His court has as much etiquette and ceremonial as that of Louis XIV. His band of musicians make both day and night hideous with their performances. The music is done to drive away evil spirits.

Lewanika himself is an imposing spectacle. The King wears a long blue dressing gown trimmed with red, braid trousers and shirt. and on his head, a scarlet nightcap, and above it a black terrai hat. – Sausalito News, 1898

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