O olhar de um capuchinho sobre a África do século XVII. A construção do discurso de Giovanni Antonio Cavazzi

Abstract

This study analyzes the construction of the representations in the text named Descrição histórica dos três reinos do Congo, Matamba, written by the Italian Capuchin Giovanni Antonio Cavazzi (1621-1678). It aims to understand the elements which made this Capuchin to write so lengthy work about those Kingdoms and the Catholic mission in that area, considering that Cavazzi wrote this text in a context of conflict between the Papacy’s and the Portuguese Padroado’s interests during the 17th century and the performance that the Capuchins had with the African chiefs, making possible the establishment of alliances between Portugal and the kingdoms that, before their performance, were hostile to the presence and intervention of the Lusitanian crown, as the reign of Queen Jinga.