Opperhoofd is a Dutch word (plural opperhoofden) that literally translates to "upper-head", meaning "supreme headman". The Danish cognate overhoved, which is a calque derived from a Danish pronunciation of the Dutch or Low German[1] word, is also treated here. The standard German cognate is Oberhaupt.
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. The derived Danish word høvding also carries this same meaning.
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 overhoved (singular) had a similar gubernatorial use (sometimes rendered in English as station chief), notably on the Danish Gold Coast.[a]
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