Cuangar

Cuangar lies on the Cubango River in southern Angola, where the river runs through a broad valley of woodland and seasonal floodplain. The Cubango, which forms the border toward Namibia further downstream, drew settlements and travel along its banks. Water, seasonal grazing and the fish of the floodplain made the valley a natural centre for the people of the surrounding country.

The area was home to Ovambo communities, and the Cuangares, a subgroup of the Ovambo, gave the place its name. Their villages were scattered along the river, and they herded cattle, grew grain and traded across the valley. Paths linking the Cubango with the highlands to the north carried salt, ivory and cloth, and the river crossings were points where local chiefs collected dues.