Chronicles of Bailundo: a fragmentary account in Umbundu of life before and after Portuguese colonial rule

Abstract ‘Chronicles of Bailundo’ is a fragmentary account life in Bailundo, Central Angola. The manuscript, whose authorship and exact date are unknown, available at the archives American Board Commissioners for Foreign Missions (ABCFM) Houghton Library, Harvard University. It was written Umbundu, vernacular spoken by North Congregational missionaries between 1903 1930s. Although source mentions no dates, it refers roughly to period seventeenth century gradual establishment Portuguese colonial rule Christian missions late nineteenth early twentieth centuries. gives access both Umbundu then Bailundo perspective Umbundu-speaking subjects on what like live this polity. addresses socio-cultural, political economic aspects as well significant historical events, such War (1902–03). text published supplementary material with article, has been transcribed, translated into English, annotated. version following main introduction article presents an annotated sample English. full version, material, comprises complete original its translation Portuguese. authorship, contents, form context production source.