What European military commanders viewed the Kongolese minkonde figures as?
European military commanders viewed the Kongolese minkonde figures as art objects with potential cultural significance but often failed to appreciate their spiritual and social contexts. These figures were often misinterpreted or dismissed as curiosities rather than recognized as vital components of Kongolese identity and tradition. Their aesthetic value was acknowledged, but the deeper meanings and the role they played in the community were largely overlooked by these commanders. This reflects a broader trend of misunderstanding and underestimating African cultures during colonial encounters.