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 As accompaniment to reading about
the Indonesian
archipelago, and that of early sea exploration in general, collecting 17th &
18th
century maps has become a strong interest.Many of these are still reasonably affordable, and are remarkably beautiful. Here are a few views..
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Partial view of a large (50 x 60 cm) 17th Century map of the Moluccas, in Latin. The
original 'spice islands', the Moluccas are of particular personal
interest to us and lie in what is
known as the Maluku province of Indonesia today.
Blaue, Amsterdam, 1649.
Latin text on reverse side describing the exploration and
natural products of the Moluccas.
Detail of a typical sea monster from the large Moluccas map.
Contemporary sailing vessel used by Western spice traders.
Detail of two of the key spice-producing islands shown on this map:
Ternate and Tidore.
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A 17th Century engraving of the settlement on Ternate, in French. Interestingly, the caption (not visible) indicates the structures on the right form the 'execution area'; a standard part of any Western settlement in the area at the time. |
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An early 18th Century map of the Moluccas, in English. Rather unflattering assessments of the natives are offered in the text above. Then called the 'islands of thieves' (Ladrones), these are now Guam and Saipan. |
| An 18th Century map showing much of Asia, in French. Note the prevailing wind directions shown; of much significance at the time. Bond, London, 1780. |