Opperhoofd


Opperhoofd is a Dutch word that literally translates to "upper-head", meaning "supreme headman". The Danish equivalent Overhoved, which is derived from a Danish pronunciation of the Dutch word, is also treated here.
In modern Dutch, Opperhoofd remains in use for a native tribal chief, such as a Sachem of Native Americans. Despite the superlative etymology, it can be applied to several chiefs in a single native community.
However this article is devoted to its more former, historical use as a gubernatorial title, comparable to the English chief factor, for the chief executive officer of a Dutch factorij in the sense of trading post, as led by a factor, i.e. agent.
The etymologically cognate title of Danish Opperhoved had a similar gubernatorial use, notably in the Danish Gold Coast, see Colonial Heads of Danish Gold Coast. The German cognate is Oberhaupt.

Dutch colonial ''Opperhoofden''

In Asia

The factory established on 20 September 1609 at Hirado by the Dutch East India Company, next in 1641, as the Dutch factorij was moved by order of the Shogunate thereto, on Dejima Island, in Nagasaki Bay. The trading post was maintained under the Dutch state after the 1795 end of VOC administration till on 28 February 1860 Dejima was abandoned. For a full list of its Opperhoofden, see VOC Opperhoofden in Japan.

In Africa