Makoko the 1st was the king of the Bateke people in the modern day Republic of Congo. This painting reflects the deception of the king after he signed the treaty with the French explorer Savorgnan di Brazza in 1880, placing the Congo territory under French protection.
Makoko the 1st fooled into believing that this alliance would open trade possibilities and give him an advantage over his enemies would quickly be disillusioned when the settlers started oppressing the people.
I particularly find this story interesting because it depicts human weakness when exposed to wealth and the prospectus of advancement. Sometimes the appeal of glory blinds us to bad decisions we might be making.
