‘Captain’ Coba (or Kobé), a chief of the Gqunukhwebe tribe, wearing the grenadiers helmet given him by Robert Jacob Gordon Possibly 1777

Robert Jacob Gordon created this watercolor drawing of ‘Captain’ Coba, a chief of the Gqunukhwebe tribe, in the late 18th century. Gordon was a Dutch military officer and explorer, and his depictions of indigenous people reflect the complex dynamics of colonialism. In this portrait, Coba is portrayed wearing a grenadier's helmet gifted to him by Gordon, a symbol of European military power, yet he also wears traditional African clothing and carries a shield and spears. This juxtaposition embodies the intersection of cultures and the power imbalances inherent in colonial encounters. Consider how Coba is both adorned and burdened by these symbols, navigating his identity within a changing world. This image captures a moment of cultural exchange, but also hints at the loss of traditional ways of life. It serves as a reminder of the human stories embedded in the larger narrative of colonialism.