Subject

Cross of the Order of Christ

2 records filed under this subject

Why There Is a Cross on the Crown: The Symbol of the 17th-Century Christian Covenant Between the Olu and the Portuguese

Among the Itsekiri people of the Warri Kingdom, one of the most distinctive features of the royal regalia is the cross engraved on the crown of the Olu. This Christian symbol, so visibly displayed on a traditional African monarch’s headpiece, reflects a centuries-old diplomatic and religious covenant between the Warri monarchy and the Portuguese. Emerging…

The Knight Templar Connection: Itsekiri Royals as Members of European Orders of Chivalry

The Itsekiri Kingdom (Warri Kingdom or Iwere) has one of the most fascinating histories of Afro-European interaction in West Africa. Long before colonialism, the Itsekiri royal family developed strong diplomatic, economic, and religious ties with Portugal. These early engagements included political alliances, Christian missions, and the exchange of royal artifacts. One of the most…