Postage stamps from Portuguese Africa

Portuguese Africa refers to the former Portuguese colonies on the African continent, which included Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, and São Tomé and Príncipe. Each of these colonies has a rich history reflected in its postage stamps. Here’s an overview of the philatelic history of Portuguese Africa:

1. General Overview

  • Colonial Era: The Portuguese colonial empire in Africa issued stamps starting in the late 19th century. These stamps often featured the reigning Portuguese monarchs, local landscapes, and symbols of colonial authority.
  • Post-Independence: After the independence movements in the 1970s, the former colonies began issuing stamps as sovereign nations, showcasing their national identity, culture, and history.

2. Philatelic Highlights by Region

Angola

  • First Issues (1870):
    • The first stamps of Angola were issued in 1870 and featured the Portuguese crown and other symbols of the colonial administration.
  • Ceres Series (1914-1930s):
    • Like other Portuguese colonies, Angola issued the “Ceres” series, depicting the Roman goddess of agriculture.
  • Post-Independence:
    • After gaining independence in 1975, Angola’s stamps reflected national themes such as wildlife, cultural diversity, and significant historical events.

Mozambique

  • First Issues (1877):
    • Mozambique’s first stamps, issued under Portuguese rule, featured the monarchs of Portugal.
  • Ceres Series:
    • The “Ceres” series was also used extensively in Mozambique, with overprints for various regions and denominations.
  • Post-Independence:
    • Post-1975 issues have highlighted Mozambique’s culture, natural beauty, and historical figures, marking its identity as an independent nation.

Guinea-Bissau

  • First Issues (1881):
    • The first stamps for Portuguese Guinea, as it was known, bore the effigy of the Portuguese king.
  • Ceres Series:
    • The colony used the “Ceres” series, which was typical for Portuguese territories.
  • Post-Independence:
    • After independence in 1974, Guinea-Bissau’s stamps began to showcase local culture, national heroes, and important events in the country’s history.

Cape Verde

  • First Issues (1877):
    • Stamps featuring the Portuguese monarchy were issued first, followed by various series over the years.
  • Ceres Series:
    • The “Ceres” stamps were used here, as in other colonies.
  • Post-Independence:
    • Since independence in 1975, Cape Verde’s stamps have depicted its unique culture, history, and natural landscapes.

São Tomé and Príncipe

  • First Issues (1869):
    • The earliest stamps featured the Portuguese royal emblem.
  • Ceres Series:
    • The “Ceres” stamps were also utilized in this colony.
  • Post-Independence:
    • Following independence in 1975, stamps have illustrated the archipelago’s rich biodiversity, culture, and important national figures.

3. Common Features and Themes

  • Portuguese Monarchs and Symbols:
    • Early stamps typically depicted the ruling monarch of Portugal or symbols of the Portuguese empire, reflecting the colonial administration’s influence.
  • Ceres Series:
    • This iconic series, featuring the goddess Ceres, was a common issue across Portuguese colonies and is a key area of interest for collectors.
  • Regional Overprints:
    • Many stamps were overprinted with new denominations or names of regions, especially during periods of economic or political change.

4. Collecting Portuguese African Stamps

  • Historical Value:
    • Stamps from Portuguese Africa are valuable for their historical insight into colonial and post-colonial periods. They reflect the political and cultural changes over time.
  • Rarity and Condition:
    • As with all philately, the rarity of particular issues, condition (mint or used, with original gum, etc.), and errors or variations play a crucial role in determining the value of these stamps.
  • Thematic Appeal:
    • Collectors interested in African history, colonial empires, and post-colonial transformations find these stamps particularly appealing. The wide range of themes from wildlife to cultural heritage makes them attractive to thematic collectors.

Overview

Postage stamps from Portuguese Africa provide a fascinating window into the history and culture of these regions during and after Portuguese colonial rule. They offer valuable insights into the historical context of the 19th and 20th centuries and are a rich field for collectors interested in African philately and colonial history. Each former colony’s stamps tell a unique story of its journey from colonialism to independence.