The Garenganze Kingdom and People. 233 
mined to punish Msidi for his rebelHous conduct, and to this end 
invaded his country. Msidi, however, was successful, with the 
help of the Ovimbundu traders from the Bihe country, in resisting 
Kasembe, and in declaring his independence. He next added 
to his kingdom the Luba country to the north, and encouraged 
the coming of emigrants and refugees from the Lunda country, 
who were ready to flee from the oppression of the great Muate 
Yanvo power, now almost extinct. Thus by fair means or 
foul Msidi gathered round him a large number of followers, 
inviting also many of his own tribe from the Unyamwesi 
country to come and occupy prominent positions in the king- 
dom that he had formed, and which he was pleased to call 
the Garenganze country. 
TRADE OPENED WITH THE WEST COAST. 
One circumstance that led to Msidi's wonderful success shows 
his wisdom. From the east coast guns, powder, and articles of 
war used to be obtained, and this made him dependent on the 
tribes to the east of him. He believed, however, in the existence 
of a west coast, and thought it might be possible to procure from 
thence his war stores. In hope of attaining his object, he sent his 
nephew Molenga with a number of men westward in search of trade 
and traders — really on an exploring expedition. In the Lovale 
country Molenga met with a coloured trader named Domingo, 
from the Portuguese province of Angola. After hearing Molenga's 
story about the powerful chief far in the interior, who had much 
ivory to dispose of, and who was in quest of powder, guns, cloth, 
etc., Domingo started for Bihe, and informed the Portuguese 
trader, Silva Porto, who thereupon equipped a trading caravan, 
and sent it in under the charge of a black pombero named Jao. 
This man succeeded in reaching Msidi's country, and supplied 
him with powder, guns, and cloth in exchange for ivory. After 
Jao had made two or three trips between Garenganze and the 
west coast (other native Bihe traders also joining in the enterprise), 
Msidi was enabled to assert his independence, and to proceed 
with his aggressions upon the surrounding tribes, and thus 
became established as the paramount chief over an immense 
tract of country. 
