Rulers · c. 17??–1827/28
King Zolu Duma
'Peter Careful', ruler of the southern Vai and neighbouring Gola from his capital at Gon.
Biography
Raised among the Wuling of the Bassa, Zolu Duma rose by trade rather than inheritance, assembling a state over the southern Vai and adjacent Gola with its capital at Gon on the North Lofa.
In December 1821 he sat with Lieutenant Stockton and Dr Ayres over the Cape Mesurado ground. He attempted to withdraw once he grasped that a permanent settlement would choke the coastal traffic in captives on which much of his revenue depended, and was compelled to cede at pistol-point.
By about 1827 he held a treaty of friendship and non-aggression with Sao Boso. He died in 1827 or 1828 and was succeeded by his son Jalla Fingue, whom the settlers called Prince Peter.
Historical significance
His career shows the double bind of the coastal sovereign after abolition: dependent on Atlantic revenue, exposed to Atlantic force. The pistol-point cession is the single most important fact about the legality of Liberia's founding deed.
Timeline
- c. 1790sEstablishes himself as a trader and war leader
- c. 1800sBuilds his state at Gon on the North Lofa
- Dec 1821Coerced cession of Cape Mesurado
- c. 1827Treaty with Sao Boso
- 1827/28Dies; succeeded by Jalla Fingue
On the map
Associated with Gon. Open the historical atlas.
Related entries
References
- Holsoe, Svend E. (1990). 'Zolu Duma, 17??–1828.' Liberian Studies Journal.
- Dunn, Beyan & Burrowes (2000). Historical Dictionary of Liberia, 2nd ed.
- Bayard, Samuel J. (1856). A Sketch of the Life of Commodore Robert F. Stockton.
Suggested reading
- Holsoe (1990) — the dedicated biography.
- Burrowes (2023). A History of Liberia in 100 Documents.