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THE KINGDOM OF MAKOKO.
MAkoko, a potent and large Jurisdiction, lieth Northward of Zaire, be∣hind Congo above two hundred, or (as others) two hundred and fifty Spanish miles, from Lovango, or Congo.
The Inhabitants bear one general name of Monsoles, or Metica's; being also Anthropophagi, or Men-eaters, like the Jages, or rather indeed the right Jages.
The eminentest place of this Kingdom, known to the Whites is Monsol, seated about two hundred miles from the Sea-shore.
This King hath the repute of greater puissance than he of Congo, as having ten other Kings Tributary to him.
This King keeps constantly, within appointed places in his Court, two hun∣dred Slaves; of which, part are given him yearly for Tribute, and part con∣demn'd persons; all fed by their keepers, like stall'd Oxen, or fatted Sheep and Hogs, being the store to supply the King and his Courtiers with choice Provision, for whose use slain, and their flesh serv'd up as a delicate Morsel; for they eat it rather out of a devilish wantonness, than necessity, for that al∣most all sorts of Cattel breed there in infinite multitudes; neither is the Land wanting of any other product fit for humane Food.
In Monsol is kept a great Market of Slaves, * 1.1 whither the Portuguese of Lovango send their Pomberoes with Merchandizes, which sometimes tarry out a year or two; when at last, having bought some Slaves, Elephants Teeth, and Cop∣per, they make the new-bought Slaves to carry all on their heads to Lovango; so that they are at no charges, to bring their biggest Teeth or Copper out of the Countrey.
The King according to his manner, keeps in great State and Pride, * 1.2 though falling short of Congo, whose Princes have been instructed to bear a Majestick Port, by the Portuguese so long resident among them.
The Treasure and Riches of this great Prince, consists chiefly in Slaves, * 1.3 Simbos of Lovando, Boesies, or small East-India Horns, and some Clothes; things with the Whites of a small value, but by them esteem'd more than the best Gold or Silver.
He keeps continually a mighty and very numerous Army upon his borders, * 1.4 to prevent the Innovation of an implacable Enemy, call'd Mujako; who lives Northward from him; of whom we have as yet no other knowledge, than to guess him powerful, in regard he could never be subdu'd by Makoko.
In the Desarts of this Kingdom inhabit those little men mention'd before, to shoot and kill the Elephants, and sell their Teeth to the Jages; as they again to those of Congo and Lovango, who exchange them for other commodities with the Portuguese, and other Europeans.