Super-sized family including those related by blood or marriage, forming the glue of early West and Central African societies.

The title for queen mother in the Kingdom of Benin.

First iyoba (queen mother) in Benin; political advisor and spiritual leader.

Queen of Ndongo and Matamba; resisted Portuguese colonization through guerilla warfare.

First iyoba (queen mother) of Benin; political advisor to her son, Oba Esigie; used spiritual power in warfare.

Queen of Ndongo and Matamba; resisted Portuguese colonization for 30 years through guerilla warfare; engaged in diplomacy.