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

"‘Captain’ Coba (or Kobé), a chief of the Gqunukhwebe tribe, wearing the grenadiers helmet given him by Robert Jacob Gordon, is a watercolor drawing created by the Dutch military officer and explorer Robert Jacob Gordon in 1777. The artwork depicts Coba in full traditional attire, standing with a shield and assegais, while wearing a grenadiers helmet gifted to him by Gordon. The watercolor serves as a historical record of the interactions between European settlers and the indigenous peoples of Southern Africa during the late 18th century, specifically the Gqunukhwebe tribe. The artwork is a valuable example of ethnographic art, showcasing the visual culture and customs of the Gqunukhwebe people during this period."