Guinea - Benin - Gold Coast - Gabon - Congo - South Africa - Mozambique - Madagascar
http://www.ucalgary.ca/applied_history/tutor/eurvoya/columbus.html
http://www.african.cam.ac.uk/library/
[545] Two sheet map of the whole of Eastern Africa
This large and detailed map covers the whole of theAfrican continent, east of the western bulge. The map is in two sheets, each with its own graticule borders, north of the equator and south of the equator. The landmasses are filled with rivers, lakes and mountains in relief appearance, with many vignettes of conjectural towns and cities in the interior. The upper regions of the Nile and the Red Sea are quite well defined, with numerous place names along its shores. The stippled sea areas are filled with a profusion of sailing ships, sea monsters, along with compass rose, dividers and ornate title and index cartouches. Swash lettering throughout.
Map 1
(26.0x40.0: northern section) and (29.0x40.0 southern section) first published
in 1597 in the German edition of Part I (p) and in 1598 in the Latin edition of
Part I (p): $5,750 
[585] Certain ceremonies used in worship
This shows some strange superstitions and beliefs of the natives’ religion:
A: a ‘fetissero’ or predicant stands with his two women under a tree and calls on his god. Wearing their best clothes and jewellery to impress and honour their ‘fetisso’, the women sing and leap about to the beating of a drum in the oddest manner. A black dog is also present, they imagine it to be a ghostly apparition conjured up by their performance. On the tree are bound several small tufts of straw, called ‘sainctos’, which they tie onto their arms and legs afterwards.
B: another form of prayer is used here when the natives desire good business, rainfall or when they wish to find gold.
C: a kind of magic ceremony where they invoke their ‘fetisso’ to allow no harm to come to their dead and not to hinder them on their journey.
D: this shows the weekly Sabbath-meeting every Tuesday, when they ‘christen’ and exorcise their children.
Plate 5
(13.8x18.7), to Part VI(p), first published in 1603 with German text and in
1604 with Latin text: $150
[586] How the natives fight each other
This shows how the men go to war and which weapons they use. They hold large square shields, about six ‘feet’ high and four wide, made of cane and fortified with ox-hide. The more distinguished warriors have an iron bar, two ‘feet’ long, fixed onto their valuable shields and this is painted red or smeared with earth. On top of that is a wooden frame to ward off the fiercest blows. Their weapons are mainly lances of iron but in their belts they carry broad-bladed knives. They even set fire to their enemy’s houses so that they are preoccupied in putting them out and are unable to fight.
A: a common warrior or ‘confokom’ who goes to battle with his bow and arrows.
B: a chief or ‘æne’ who goes to battle in the same way as the distinguished men do.
C: another ‘confokom’, with his lances and dagger in his belt.
Plate 6
(13.7x18.5), from Part VI(p), first published in 1603 with German text and in
1604 with Latin text: $150
[587] The natives’ court of justice
Here is shown how they hold their courts of law and how they judge and sentence each other.
A: is a king or chief, sitting among his folk, listening to them and giving council.
B: a native is beheaded for stabbing a Dutchman. His head is then hung up on a tree.
C: the body is chopped up and carried out to the fields for the vultures.
D: shows a woman drinking from a jug to steal a pact with her husband and to swear on oath that she had nothing to do with other men.
E: two friends swear an oath of friendship and one strokes the other from top to toe with the soles of his feet.
F: when those not satisfied with the chief’s verdict, they fight it out between themselves.
G: the women mourn those who are to be condemned and take their farewell from them.
Plate 7
(13.5x18.6), from Part VI(p), first published in 1603 with German text and in
1604 with Latin text: $150
[589] The way they fish by day
This illustrates the different methods of fishing by the natives.
A: at dawn they row out, two men to a canoe, eager to be the first.
B: these fishermen use a kind of net that is submerged for the night and hauled up the next day. The fish they usually catch are similar to our pike.
C: using long lines attached to their heads, they catch a fish called ‘quorgofado’. When they row fast the fish are snagged on these lines.
D: this shows a type of herring-like fish, they call ‘sardino’ being caught on a line baited with rotten meat on a row of hooks. The boat floats quietly on the water while they fish – rather like our angling.
Plate 9
(13.7x18.6), from Part VI(p), first published in 1603 with German text and in
1604 with Latin text: $150
[590] The way they fish by night
Here the natives are seen fishing by night.
A: a small fire is made in a canoe which has a few holes made in its side. The fire-light shines through the holes into the water and attracts the fish. They are then skewered with hooked or pronged implements.
B: one man rows the boat to a spot where he saw fish, while the others stand ready with a lighted torch and a long pronged pole. When a fish appears, he spears it.
C: here a net is thrown out, similar to our drag-nets.
D: holding a burning torch and a chicken basket, the natives, standing in the water, wait until a fish is attracted to the light. Then the basket is quickly placed over the fish and the fisherman pulls it out from a hole into the top of the basket. He threads his catch onto a string worn round his body. These fish are quite tasty, rather like our salmon.
E: a wine-seller is seen here with a sail made of rush-work on his boat, transporting palm-wine to his place of business.
Plate 10
(13.9x18.7), from Part VI(p), first published in 1603 with German text and in
1604 with Latin text: $150
[592] How the hunters catch animals
A: a leopard walks into a cage with a trap door.
B: an antelope killed by natives using assagais.
C: rabbits being caught. They are frightened out of their burrows by a lot of noise and then clubbed as soon as they appear.
D: elephants fall into pits covered by straw and are unable to climb out.
Plate 12
(13.6x18.2), from Part VI(p), first published in 1603 with German text and in
1604 with Latin text: $150
http://www.farlang.com/gemstones/kunz-ivory-elephant/page_299
[594] Agriculture and several plants
A: a forest is set on fire so that grain can be sown.
B: the natives prepare the ground for sowing.
C: a fire is made form the roots of the burnt forest. When the work is finished, the people sit round and drink.
D: the grain is watched over while it grows.
E: here are shown growing little red and black peas.
F: here rice is shown growing.
G: here maize is shown growing.
H: a tree where large beans grow.
I: grain or ‘manigete’.
Lastly, a palm-tree is shown. When it produces no more wine, it is cut down and the last drops burned out into a bowl. A new tree grows up from the roots of several stumps.
Plate 14
(14.0x17.8), from Part VI(p), first published in 1603 with German text and in
1604 with Latin text: $150
[595] The natives’ homes and ways of life
Each native hut has as many rooms as people. The husband has his own compartment and his wives each have a room, where they sleep with their children. The women share the kitchens, do the housework and eat together. The men eat together and drink palm-wine. They have a certain ceremony when first tasting the wine, which is mentioned in Chapter 8. When a woman gives birth, she lays her child, with a cloth round its middle, on a mat. Then she is given a special drink, reserved for these occasions. After drinking, she goes straight to the river to wash herself and the pains of her childbirth are soon forgotten. Also shown here is the king in his house with his noblemen. His home is to be recognised by the large drum and jug lying outside.
Plate 15
(13.7x18.4), from Part VI(p), first published in 1603 with German text and in
1604 with Latin text: $150
[596] A nobleman is elected
The most desirable honour is for a man to be elected a nobleman. During this ceremony, the women leap and dance and the men have fencing tournaments. These happy celebrations last for three days. An ox, that the new nobleman has donated, is slaughtered and shared out for everyone, except for the nobleman himself. The people think he might die if he had any.
A: is the ox.
B: is the newly elected nobleman, who is carried in a chair through the town. Beneath his feet are two slaves.
C: is the nobleman’s wife who wears a golden bracelet on her left arm.
D: is the chief, sitting with his councillors, watching the dancing.
E: are women forming part of the procession.
F: female players, beating their instruments.
G: the warriors who accompany the noblemen, dancing and fighting.
H: women, sprinkling the nobleman’s wife with salt and white colouring.
I: The common folk coming to watch the entertainment.
Plate 16
(13.8x18.4), from Part VI(p), first published in 1603 with German text and in
1604 with Latin text: $150
[597] The natives’ clothing and how they adorn themselves
A: A chief’s wife (called ‘aeneodifie’) wearing feast-day attire as she walks out. She has beads or corral round her neck, her hair being decoratively bound up and dressed with small combs, as a sign for others to show their respect. She also wears a golden bracelet and carries a small fan to ward off flies.
B: A common woman (called ‘etigafo’) who also wears jewellery and has strange cut-marks on her face. On her ankles she has rings of little bells that jingle when she moves, especially when dancing. On her arms are bracelets of ivory. Next to her stands a small child wearing a shirt that looks like mesh, woven from reeds or the bark of trees. This net is suppose to protect the child from the devil.
C: when they meet in the mornings, the people greet each other by snapping their fingers and calling out ‘auzy’!
D: this shows a couple agreeing to get married.
Plate 17
(13.8x18.5), from Part VI(p), first published in 1603 with German text and in
1604 with Latin text: $150
[598] How a funeral ceremony is carried out
A: is the open grave where the corpse will be buried, along with several items next to it.
B: the corpse is carried to the grave. The women, with the rest of the folk, dance ahead and play percussion instruments. Those following behind mourn loudly with much crying and wailing.
C: when the grave has been filled in, the women crawl about upon it, wailing loudly.
D: after the burial, they go and wash themselves in the sea. Then they return home in joyful spirits.
Plate 18
(13.7x18.5), from part VI(p), first published in 1603 with German text and in
1604 with Latin text: $150
[414] The women of Monomotapa
The best of the legions in the emperor of Monomotapa were women were trained to fight from infancy and had their left breast burnt off, so as not to hinder them when shooting with their bows and arrows, with which they were very accurate, just like the Amazons of Amazonia. These women were strong and sturdy and lived in their own territory, which was given to them by their emperor. At certain times they went off to visit the men, picking out whosoever they chose. When a warrior woman gave birth to a son, the son was sent to live with the men-folk, but if she had a daughter, the daughter was kept with the women and trained as a fighter.
Plate 14
(13.7x17.7), from Part I(p), first published in 1597 with German text and in
1598 with Latin text: $150
[601] Natives battle against each other
The histories mention that these tribes are very pugnacious. When they go to war, they bring all their possessions with them, including their women and children. They even burn their houses to the ground so that their enemy could not take them if they won the battle. When the chief declared peace, each tribe returned a hostage to the other as a peace-offering. The hostage was carried on the shoulders of a slave, beautifully decorated and accompanied by his own chief’s servant.
Plate 21
(13.8x18.6), from Part VI(p), first published in 1603 with German text and in
1604 with Latin text: $150
[602] The burial of the chief
When a native chief dies, his closest friends want to ensure that he lacks for nothing in the next world. Therefore, they kill his family and servants so that they may accompany him and serve him on his journey. They bury them in the chief’s grave, together with his armaments. Then dishes of food are placed on top. The heads of the slain servants are modelled out of clay and earth and are mounted on stands round the grave, as if they were still alive. One or two guards are present to watch over the grave with all its decorations.
Plate 22
(14.0x17.8), from Part VI(p), first published in 1603 with German text and in 1604
with Latin text: $150
[580] The sixth part of India Orientalis
A true historic description of Guinea, which is a great kingdom, rich in gold and silver, known as the Gold Coast of Mina in Africa. This part includes the religious beliefs, customs, language and trades of the inhabitants. Also a short description of the sea-voyage through the Canary Islands, as far as the Cabo de Trespunctas, where the Gold Coast begins.
Title Page
(9.7x19.0), of Part VI(p), first published in 1603 with German text and in 1604
with Latin text: $150
[604] The Portuguese fortress of Mina, in Guinea
This fortress was built in 1482 on the coast of Guinea, by order of the Portuguese King, Don Johannes II. It was built to prevent the natives from doing trade with other nations but all was in vain.
A: the castle or fortress Mina.
B: the church of St. Jörgen, after whom the fortress is also named.
C: the adjoining village.
D: the church called St. Jacob.
Plate 24
(13.5x18.2), from Part VI(p), first published in 1603 with German text and in
1604 with Latin text: $150
http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=Africa+%2B+de+Bry&hl=en&start=30&sa=N
[591] Harmless animals found in Guinea
Here illustrated are a number of animals, some of which are domesticated.
A: a cow with horizontal horns over its head.
B: a deer similar to our own.
C: a sow, rather smaller than ours.
D: a sheep (called ‘cabrito’) with a goat-like skin.
E: a peacock, with colouring like those in Europe.
F: a dog, with a longer muzzle than our dogs that cannot bark.
G. an agali-cat (civet-cat).
H: an unpleasant-smelling bird, similar to an eagle and with tail-feathers like those of a chicken [vulture?].
I: a type of small monkey with a beard [cercopithecus diana?]
K: a goose, which originated from Holland.
L: a small weasel-like creature.
M: a cock and hen, similar to ours.
N: the goats living out in the fields.
O: the grey parrot.
P: nests made in the trees by certain birds [weaver birds?]. These nests hang on the smallest twigs, out of reach of snakes.
Q: different types of monkeys.
R: bees making their nests on the branches of trees.
Plate 11
(13.9x18.2), from Part VI(p), first published in 1603 with German text and in
1604 with Latin text: $150
[593] Wild animals found in Guinea
Here are shown certain wild animals, some of which are dangerous to humans.
A: an elephant, usually at enmity with the rhinoceros
B: a large wild cat [lion?] that can cause much damage and is a nuisance to the natives.
C: a leopard.
D: a crocodile found, both in the water and on land.
E: a tortoise.
F: a hedgehog.
G: a languado. It looks like a crocodile but is found only on land.
H: a rhinoceros, the enemy of the elephant (also found in Pegu and Bengal in great numbers).
I: a frog similar to ours.
K: a fox.
L: a large type of ant, which causes great damage.
M: a lizard, a so called enemy of the snake.
N: a large snake found in this area.
O: a large spider.
P: cranes.
Plate 13 (13.7x18.1),
from Part VI(p), first published in 1603 with German text and in 1604 with
Latin text: $150
[603] How the noblemen in Benin ride at court
The town of Benin is quite large and comprises of homes, with no windows, only open roofs. The more distinguished houses have three or four steps leading up to the front door. The chief and his noblemen ride out each day in the following manner: the horses are small and the saddle is a wooden chair on which a nobleman sits sideways, just as women on horseback do. On each side of the rider is a servant who supports him. The horse is lead by another servant. Others follow behind, one holding up a parasol over the rider’s head and the rest play their musical instruments. Benin is where sentences are carried out and criminals are brought for execution. They are blindfolded, with hands tied behind their backs. Then they are forced to kneel down, with their heads forward, while the executioner chops off their heads.
Plate 23
(13.8x18.0), from Part VI(p), first published in 1603 with German text and in
1604 with Latin text: $150
[606] Men’s heads in Benin
The engraving shows the various hair-styles of men, women, chiefs and soldiers, all from Benin.
Plate 26
(13.ox15.8), from Part VI(p), first published in 1603 with German text and in
1604 with Latin text: $150
http://www.loc.gov/rr/amed/guide/afr-encounters.html
[581] Male inhabitants of the Gold Coast
A: this is a typical slave called an ‘akoba’, who goes out to the wilderness with his chopping knife or axe to gather wood.
B: this shows a typical young farmer, called an ‘abaffra’, who goes to market carrying sugar cane and other goods.
C: is a typical fisherman, called an ‘aponfo’ who is on his way to the sea, carrying a stool and a paddle.
D: are two Negroes carrying a boat or canoe to the water.
E: are the farmers bringing palm-wine to the market.
Plate1
(13.8x18.5), from Part VI(p), first published in 1603 with German text and in
1604 with Latin text: $150
[582] How the menfolk of the Gold Coast dress
A: is a typical gentleman, called a ‘brenipono’, walking in the street. He wears a hat like a beret and the rest of his clothing is made of linen.
B: is a typical merchant, called a ‘batafou’, coming from inland to do business in the coastal towns. His hat is of dog skin and round his waist he has a rolled up cloth made of linen or cotton. He carries a spear and an earthenware dish.
C: is an interpreter who accompanies the farmer doing trade with the ships. He wears a small hat made of cane.
D: are the merchants on their way home after doing business with German or Dutch ships. Their slaves, or ‘catyffs’, carry the merchants’ wares.
Plate 2
(13.7x17.7), from Part VI (p), first published in 1603 with German text and in
1604 with Latin text: $150
[583] How the women of the Gold Coast dress
A: is the wife of a Portuguese man, who lives at the fortress of Mina. She is half Black and half White. The Portuguese call these people ‘Melato’ and take them as wives because the European women do not care to settle in those parts. The ‘Melatos’ dress well and wear their hair shaved short and the men find this especially attractive.
B: are the farmers’ wives, who come from the country with fruit to sell in the coastal town markets.
C: is a typical maiden walking out, who is called ‘acatiassa’. Their hair is worn braided and plaited and their breasts are still small and firm. They wear bracelets and cover themselves with linen robes.
D: is a typical simple native woman, called ‘hiro’. They carry their small children on their shoulders and push up their elongated breasts for the child to suck. On the bodies the women have strange cut wounds in many places and their faces are painted. Their hair is braided and set in a knot on the top of the head.
Plate 3
(13.6x17.8), from Plate VI(p), first published in 1603 with German text and in
1604 with Latin text: $150
[416] The arrival of the Dutch at Gabam
The Dutch arrive at the river of Gabam that flows through Guinea to the kingdom of Ethiopia. They were taken to a crowd of huts, where they were received with great hospitality. In one of the huts they saw an Ethopian king, sitting motionless on his throne. His name was Mani Gabam and he wore a horrifying necklace of bones. At his feet an old woman was warding off flies with a fan. As they approached they clapped their hands, as is the custom for these people, then they knelt on a silk blanket before him on the ground. This pleased the chief and he gave them several decorative rugs to take away with them.
Plate 1
(14.3x17.1), from Part II(p), first published in 1598 with German text and in
1599 with Latin text: $100
[584] The market at Cabo Corsso
The market at Cabo Corsso is not far from the Fortress of Mina and a good place for trading.
A: the home of the captain or chief of the place.
B: a hut where the chief keeps his millet or corn.
C: the ‘bannana’ or fruit market, also where fish is sold.
D: farmers selling palm-wine.
E: the chicken market.
F: the fish market.
G: where wood is sold.
H: the rice market, also where millet is sold.
I: fresh water for sale.
K: sugar cane being sold here.
L: linen, bought by the farmers from the Dutch, is sold by the fathom.
M: women from the fortress of Mina sit here selling their bread.
N: the table with an offering for their god ‘Fetisso’.
O: the Dutch visiting the market.
P: the chief’s guards, with their weapons.
Q: the road to the sea.
R: the road to the fortress of Mina.
S: the road to Fœtu and other towns lying more inland.
Plate 4
(13.9x18.2), from Part VI(p), first published in 1603 with German text and in
1604 with Latin text: $150
[588] How the natives trade in boats with the Dutch
This shows the natives’ boats, like canoes, called ‘hem’. They are made from the trunks of trees and used for trading at sea.
A: shows a Dutch ship arriving to trade with the natives.
B: shows the natives coming to the ship.
C: shows the natives rowing away with the merchandise they have bought, with their workers wading out to collect the goods and take them ashore.
D: marks the chief’s custom-house, where the natives pay duty for the goods they have bought from the Dutch.
E: a canoe being brought ashore and stored in an open shed with others.
Plate 8
(13.9x18.4), from Part VI (p), first published in 1603 with German text and in
1604 with Latin text: $150
[599] How the chief of Cabo Lopo Gonsalues presents himself
This describes the places they call Cabo Lopo Gonsalues and Rio de Gabom, where the chief receives his visitors. He sits on a chair placed upon a platform with two or three steps, accompanied by all his noblemen. Anyone wishing to speak to him sits on a mat of straw on the ground. Also shown is one of their large boats, made from a single tree. It has room enough for 60 people. Also a ‘sea-horse’ [hippopotamus'] can be seen, of which there are many, both on land and in the water. Lastly is shown the houses, with the womenfolk, weaving mats or cooking bananas over a fire.
Plate 19
(14.1x18.7), from Part VI(p), first published in 1603 with German text and in
1604 with Latin text: $150
[600] More inhabitants of Cabo Lopo Gonsalues
Here we see more figures of Cabo Lopo Gonsalues and Rio de Gabom.
A: a distinguished man decked out in his finery and carrying several types of knives in his belt. In his hand he has an ‘assagai’.
B: a woman leading a child by the hand. Her body is full of cut marks and streaked with paint. On her legs are two or three copper or metal rings, each weighing over four pounds.
C: an ordinary inhabitant wearing his every-day attire. He sells ivory to foreigners.
Plate 20
(13.6x18.2), from Part VI(p), first published in 1603 with German text and in
1604 with Latin text: $150
[417] What the Dutch experienced in a village called Cermentyn
After the Dutch had sailed two miles up the river Gambam, they discovered a small village near the water full of Black men, women and children. Many held spears and triangular knives, and shouted while clapping their hands. After sending a Black servant out to enquire, the Dutch realised these were friendly gestures and two of them went ashore. Having never seen White men before, the natives received them with joy. While clashing their knives together, they laid a path of grass at the Dutchmen’s feet, which lead to their chief. He greeted them outside his hut, while sitting in a chair made from woven rushes. As he clapped his hands, he welcomed them with the words ‘Fuio! Fuio!’ and his wife and other women began to dance. Later the Dutchmen returned to their ships with ivory and works of wrought iron.
Plate 2
(13.7x17.2), to Part II(p), first published in 1598 with German text and in
1599 with Latin text: $100
[546] Map: Tabula Geogra: Regni Congo
This finely engraved map, covering the West African coast from just south of the equator to present-day Angola, shows a highly conjectural Congo river system, with inland mountains and lakes. Vignettes of splendid towns and settlements are marked along the river banks and in the stippled sea area is an ornate cartouche describing the region, supported by mythological figures, all set within latutude and longitude graticules.
Map 2
(30.5x38.0) first published in 1597 in the German edition of Part I (p) and in
1598 in the Latin edition of Part I (p): $750
[400] The Title Page to the Kingdom of the Congo
A truthful and clear description of the kingdom of the Congo in Africa and of its adjacent countries. Also describing the beliefs, lifestyle, customs and clothing of its inhabitants. This was first reported in Portuguese by Eduardo Lopez during his own navigation and experiences. Now translated into German by Augustinium Cassiodorum (and then into Latin) and beautifully illustrated and published by Johann Theodore and Johann Israel de Bry, brothers and both citizens of Frankfurt. Printed in Frankfurt by Matthias Becker and published by Theodore and Johnann Israel de Bry.
Title Page
(27.0x18.0), from Part I(p), first published in 1597 with German text, and in
1598 with Latin text: $100
[401] The arrival of the Portuguese in the county Sogno
When the Portuguese first discovered the county and inhabitants of Sogno, they were taken for gods and received with great hospitality, just as the prince of Sogno himself was honoured, he being a relative of the king of the Congo. The Portuguese subsequently converted the prince to Christianity and he was baptised. When the king of the Congo heard about this, he requested King John of Portugal to send priests to his land. Here the arrival of the Portuguese, with their priests dressed in their vestments, are being received with great joy on the shore by the prince of Sogno accompanied by his noblemen. The Portuguese are seen erecting a wooden building in which there are three altars for the Holy Trinity, where the prince was baptised, along with his sons. The prince was given the name Emanuell and his son was Antonio. The prince subsequently ordered all his subjects to give up their heathen idols and take up Christianity.
Plate 1
(13.9x17.2), from Part I(p), first published in 1597 with German text, and in
1598 with Latin text: $100
[402] The Portuguese appear before the king of the Congo
When the king of the Congo heard about his neighbour, the prince of Sogno, being converted to Christianity, he called the Portuguese for an interview in the hope of also being converted. He subsequently had all their heathen idols thrown out and wrote to King John of Portugal requesting priests, theologians to be sent to his country. Here we see the king of the Congo, sitting on his thrown in the open air, gladly receiving the Portuguese. The natives are also seen lying down on their stomachs three times and lifting their heels in respect, as was their custom.
Plate 2
(13.7x18.0), from Part I(p), first published in 1597 with German text and in
1598 with Latin text: $100
[403] How the Congolese men dress
This shows what the inhabitants of the Congo wore before the Portuguese arrived. The men had small square berets, usually red or yellow, more for decoration than as a protection from the sun and wind. The noblemen wore fine furs of sable, polecat, muskrat, or other beasts of prey, with the head still attached, so that the skin could be fastened together under the wearer’s armpits. Next to their skin the men wore fine textiles, woven from palm material that hung down over the knees and edged with a fringe. They also had knee-high boots of palm-cloth in the manner of the ancient Romans. These days, however, they clothe themselves like the Portuguese, with wide-brimmed hats and, on their feet, shoes or slippers.
Plate 3
(13.8x17.7) from Part I(p) in 1597 with German text, and in 1598 with Latin
text: $100
[404] How the Congolese dress for war and play
The distinguished inhabitants of the Congo decorate their head-dresses with ostrich, peacock or other feathers and, wound cross-wise across their bare chests they have chains. Round their waists they wear belts with artistically designed little bells and, on their feet, they wear Portuguese boots. The chief has three different kinds of instruments for signalling his troops for battle: the first being cone-shaped horn, made of thin metal, which sounds like a loud shot when it is beaten. The second is a hollowed out of a stump of wood, with leather stretched across the top. The third, a pipe made of ivory with a hole on its side, rather than on the top, gives off cheerful, variable notes.
Plate 4
(13.9x17.8), from Part I(p), first published in 1597 with German text and in 1598
with Latin text: $100
[405] Women’s fashion in the Congo
There were three styles of dress for the women of the kingdom of the Congo. The upper-class females wore a delicately woven skirt of palm cloth that reached down to their ankles and, round their waists, they also wore on top a short skirt to their knees and fringed with tassels. From their breasts downwards they wore another short garment which covered the belts which held their skirts. On their heads they wore berets, very similar to those of the men. Their faces and arms were uncovered. Although the middle class women wore clothes similar in style, their fabrics were of an inferior quality. The lower class, or bonds-women, wore only skirts and were bare breasted and had no shoes. These days, they have adopted Christianity and dress according to Portuguese influence with black velvet caps, decorated with precious stones, veils and gold chains round their necks but not coats. The poor, however, dress the same as before.
Plate 5
(13.9x17.7), from Part I(p), first published in 1597 with German text and in
1598 with Latin text: $100
[406] How the Congolese are transported about
None of the horses in the Congo are tame enough to ride and the people seem incapable of training the oxen to pull wagons for the transporting of goods. Instead, they use humans. When a nobleman wishes to make a journey, for example, he sits or lies on a stretcher and his servants or bonds-men carry him. If he is in a hurry and wants to reach his destination quickly, he takes a good many bearers with him, so they can change over from time to time. These bearers are so used to this kind of work that they are able to travel as fast as our own mail-coaches.
Plate 6
(13.8x17.9) from Part I(p), first published in 1597 with German text, and in
1598 with Latin text: $150
[407] An alternative form of transport used by the Congolese
We see how Mother Nature usually provided every country with provisions for the needs of mankind. Nobody should grumble if nature has not provided the Congolese with horses though, and although there are a great many zebras, no one has been able to tame and saddle them yet. So, when chiefs or other distinguished people need to travel without walking because of the heat, they have to use their own resources. They would simply be carried, as pictured above, in a type of hammock made of palm cloth. This has a pole at each end for the bearers and a cover to shade against the sun.
Plate 7
(13.0x17.6), from Part I(p), first published in 1597 with German text, and in
1598 with Latin text: $150
[408] Another kind of Congolese transport
This third type of transport is used for both pleasure walks and for important journeys. The man who wants to be transported sits on a leather band that hangs down in a loop from a pole and he holds onto the pole with both hands for comfort and safety. While he is being carried, he sometimes holds an umbrella to protect him from the sun’s rays and this form of transport is just as comfortable as any other.
Plate 8
(13.8x17.2), from Part I(p), first published in 1597 with German text, and in
1598 with Latin text: $150
http://www.missioni-africane.org/index/castelli/nobili.htm
[409] A description of the zebra
One of the provinces of the Congo is called Bamba, where one finds all kinds of creatures, including the zebra. It is also seen throughout Barbaria and Africa. This animal looks like an ass but it bears young and has a wonderful skin, which is quite unlike any other beast. It has coloured stripes: black, white and dark yellow, roughly three fingers apart all over its body, including its head, neck, ears and legs. The pattern is very distinctive and no other animal has such orderly colour designs; after white comes black, then yellow, and where yellow begins, it ends up with white again. It has a dark brown tail and hoofs like an ass. It can run as fast as a horse and even walks quickly. The Portuguese and Castilians say ‘as fast as a zebra’ when they describe something that moves quickly. The zebra breeds every year and is found in great herds but they are wild and can never be tamed, otherwise they would be used instead of horses for beasts of burden and for riding to war. (This is probably the first engraving of a zebra ever printed.)
Plate 9 (13.0x17.6),
from Part I(p), first published in 1597 with German text and in 1598 with
Latin text: $250
[410] Other strange creatures of the island Congo
Since many of the creatures found in the kingdom of the Congo are similar to those found in Germany, we thought it unnecessary to engrave all of them in copper. First there is an animal that looks like an ox but with horns like those of a billy goat. Then comes the Impala, which is nearly as large as an ox, with long, straight horns and, in fact, much tamer than it is reputed to be. Also shown in this picture is: a palm-tree and a wolf stealing the palm oil, which is very precious. Then there is a strange two-footed creature, the size of a sheep, with a blue and green scaled skin. It has a tail, two dragon wings and a pointed mouth with sharp teeth. It lives on raw meat and is worshipped as a god by ignorant folk. There is also a snake with a round shell-like ball on its tail, which is used as a medicine for curing many illnesses. Finally, there are a number of apes and monkeys that are all very clever at learning tricks and bringing great entertainment to the people.
Plate 10
(13.7x17.0), from Part I(p), first published in 1597 with German text and in
1598 with Latin text: $100
http://www.folger.edu/eduPrimSrcDtl.cfm?psid=75
[411] How the king of the Congo had all the devilish idols burnt
After the king of the Congo adopted the Christian religion, he told all his noblemen and servants to hand over their pagan idols to be gathered together. Anyone found disobeying these orders was to be burnt. Within a month, a great collection of idols in the form of devils, snakes and dragons were thrown into a heap, ignited and burnt to ashes.
Plate 11
(13.5x17.4), from Part I(p), first published in 1597 with German text and in
1598 with Latin text: $100
[412] The inhabitants of Loango and the Anziques
Loango, so called since the time of Brahma, is very likely a neighbouring kingdom of the Congo. They carry long shields, which cover them from head to foot, in one hand and, in the other, long spears or daggers with skewer-like points. The spear has a round handle in the middle, which they grip. The Anziques live above the kingdom of Loango and they are the most notorious savages. They chop up and prepare human flesh just as we do animal carcasses back home. They do this, not with their enemies, but with their own friends and servants. These folk have small bows and arrows, also axes with short handles and they wear leather belts, the width of three fingers, made of antelope skin. They are otherwise quite similar to the people of Loango.
Plate 12
(13.7x17.8), from Part I(p), first published in 1597 with German text and in
1598 with Latin text: $100
http://www.angelfire.com/games5/deltagreen/ForbiddenLibrary/RegnumCongo.html
[021] The Dutch meet a Congolese* chief
With many of the crew sick with scurvy, they sailed first to Annabon, off the west coast of equatorial Africa. Poor navigation took them to Cape López de Gonsalves on 10th November, 1598. Captain Weert was sent to meet the Congolese chief to ask for provisions. He found him sitting on a throne, which was scarcely one foot high, with a lamb’s skin under his feet. He wore a violet cloak with a gilded lace collar, a pointed hat and a necklace of glass beads, but no shirt, shoes or stockings. He was attended by his courtiers who wore cock’s feathers in their hats.
(*The text says ‘Guinea’ but it was more likely the Congo.)
Plate 18
(13.8x18.0), from Part IX(g), first published in 1601 with German text and in
1602 with Latin text: $100
[528] Seaweed and more birds seen [approaching the Cape of Good Hope] during the voyage to India
The sailors saw many plants floating on the surface of the sea during their voyage to India. Among these was the ‘trombas’, which was a pipe-like growth with its roots floating free in the water, also the ‘Sargasso’, which was a large seaweed with pointed, serrated leaves. The birds included one which was black and white, with a grey bill. The sight of this bird, along with the ‘trombas’, was a sure sign the ships were approaching the Cape of Good Hope.
Plate 10
(13.5x17.5), from Part IV(p), first published in 1600 with German text and in
1601 with Latin text: $100
[419] How the Bantu prove their success at war
The Bantu, who have chiefs in every area, often fight each other. The winners of these battles cut off the genitalia of their victims, whether they are alive or dead. After the harvest of amputated genitalia is dried, the victors offer them to their chief by putting them in their mouths and then spitting them out before him. The chief then has them gathered up and strung on a necklaces like beads as a distinguished gift for his bride. It might be compared with the honour of wearing the medal of the Golden Fleece back home. Many of these people are also cannibals, while others sell their captives as slaves to the Portuguese.
Plate 4
(13.8x17.4), from Part II(p), first published in 598 with German text and in
1599 with Latin text: $150
[623] An accurate drawing of Table Bay
This map shows the bay, named Table Bay by the Dutch, because of the high, flat mountain (Tafleberg) which one can look at from ten miles out to sea. The bay lies in latutude 34º 4’ South, roughly 15 miles to the north of the Cape of Good Hope. For clarity, several distinguishing features are marked here with numbers.
‘1’: The Table Bay.
‘2’: The Table Mountain.
‘3’: Elizabeth Island.
‘4’: The Isle of Cornelia
‘5’; Cape of Good Hope.
‘6’: The inhabitants. They have a clipped way of speaking, rather like the sound of a turkey.
[This chart outlines the coast around the Cape of Good Hope, with vignettes of people and animals. In the sea area are sailing ships and sea monsters, and a compass rose with radiating rhumb lines, showing north to the left. Swash lettering.]
Plate 3
(13.9x17.1), from Part VII(p), first
published in 1605 with German text and in 1606 with Latin text. See also [672],
being Plate 2 from Part IX(p), first published in 1612 with both German and
Latin text: $550
[462] A portrait of the natives of the foothills of the Cape of Good Hope
The natives of these parts are small in build, with skin a reddish-brown colour. They go practically naked except for the inverted skin of an ox, which they wear on their back like a cloak and a wide ox-skin belt supporting a loincloth. They also sometimes tie thin pieces of wood to the soles of their feet and decorate themselves with rings or bracelets of copper or ivory. When we slaughtered an ox, they came to ask for its insides, which they ate raw. They also placed four posts in the ground to which they fixed an ox-skin, so it dipped in the middle like a pot. In this they placed the offal and poured water over it. Then they lit a fire beneath to warm up the brew before eating it, as shown in the picture.
Plate 7
(13.5x17.5), from Part III(p), first published in 1599 with German text and in
1601 with Latin text: $150
[547] A chart of the natural harbour at Mozambique
This shows an island in the harbour at Mozambique, possibly present-day Maputo, with Dutch sailing ships and an ornate compass rose, showing north to the right. Various dwellings, including a church and a fort are named and shown on the island, with trees and mountains along the mainland coast.
Bird’s-eye-view
1 (21.0x26.8), from Part II(p), first published in 1598 with German text and
1599 with Latin text: $450
[418] Portrait of Ethiopians in Mozambique, called Caffres
The Ethiopian Caffres live along the sea-coast that stretches to the Cape of Good Hope. Their skin is black, their hair is curly, their nose is flattened and lips swollen, pierced through with bones or pearls. Their faces and naked bodies are stigmatised by red-hot iron with patterns like Damascus silk. The women living in Mozambique dress themselves in Portuguese (Lusitania) style, using silk given them in exchange for gold and ivory. Although the women cover their breasts and thighs, the men wear only a small covering of reeds over their penis. Some who live in Mozambique are Moslems, others Pythagorics, others Christians but they have no idea of God and live rough lives.
Plate 3
(13.8x17.2), from Part II(p), first published in 1598 with German text and 1599
with Latin text: $100
[665] Conquest of a large Portuguese ship
This illustration is shown at a certain point of the island together with the fortress Mozambique and how the Dutch took possession of a Portuguese ship (as shown in the last voyage of Steffan van der Hagen.
‘A’: the island of Mozambique.
‘B’: The Portuguese fortress where the Portuguese fired at the Dutch in order to defend their ship.
‘C’: The ship being attacked by the Dutch.
‘D’: The Dutch in their boats.
‘E’: The Dutch ships.
Ap. Plate 3
(13.5x17.6), from Part VIII(p), first published in 1606 with German and Latin
text: $150
[673] The siege of the town and fortress at Mozambique
When the Dutch reached the coast of Mozambique, they decided to attack the town and fortress belonging to the Portuguese. When about a thousand Dutchmen went ashore, the Portuguese all fled the town, even though it was well built with strong walls, and took refuge in the fortress. Some of the inhabitants were rich and the Dutch found plenty of valuables to plunder but they did not have sufficient time to invade the fortress, so they burnt the town before returning to their ships.
Plate 3
(12.6x16.7), from Part IX(p), first published in 1612 with German and Latin
text: $150
[463] A chart of the island of Madagascar
The island of Madagascar, with its sands and rocks is drawn here for us to see.
‘A’ is a place where we first anchored. ‘B’ marks the island where many of our people lie buried, so is called the Dutch Cemetery. ‘C’ is a freshwater lake. ‘D’ a freshwater stream. ‘E’ the Dutch trench. ‘F’ the foremost corner of the Port of St. Augustin. ‘G’ a small island lying to the south. ‘H’ the island of Santa Maria. ‘K’ the most important village on the island. ‘L’ and ‘M’ two arms of the river. ‘N’ a rock on the west side of the island. ‘P’ a small island in the cove where we gathered fresh water. ‘Q’ a stream. ‘R’ the village of St. Angela. ‘S’ the village of Spakenburg. ‘T’ the village in the north. ‘V’ the village near where we first anchored. ‘X’ the village where we first manoeuvred. ‘Y’ and ‘Z’ two other villages.
Plate 8
(14.0x19.5), from Part III(p), first published in 1599 with German text and in
1601 with Latin text: $275
[464] A portrait of the country-folk on the island of Madagascar
The country-folk of the island of Madagascar often carry about with them three or four long, sharp arrows, called Affagayas or Loffo. They used them as weapons and were so accurate that they could hit a coin six times in succession, just as effectively as we could with a musket. They have, neither religion nor law. Once, while three Dutchmen were exploring their land they were suddenly surprised by an attack from the natives who continued throwing stones at them until they surrendered. The Dutchmen were then robbed of all their possessions, including their clothing, and had no choice but to run away naked.
Plate 9
(13,5x17.1), from Part III(p), first published in 1599 with German text and in
1601 with Latin text: $100
[465] How the natives of Madagascar dance
While we Dutchmen were in Madagascar we observed the following dance, performed by the poorest people. The men went naked, except for a small mat, woven from tree-bark. First, about twenty men assemble with their weapons in their hands, followed by the women. After they had all gathered, the men stepped back, leapt into the air, swinging their feet out behind them like angry horses, so that whomsoever stood behind them would be in great danger of being kicked. Meanwhile, the women, standing opposite, acted as their musicians by clapping their hands, singing sweetly and stamping their feet in rhythm. It was a very strange performance to observe.
Plate 10
(13.6x17.6), from Part III(p), first published in 1599 with German text and in
1601 with Latin text: $100
[466] A portrait of the king of Madagascar
While we were moored off the island of Santa Maria, a galliot arrived with the king of the island aboard. His name was ‘Philo’ and he had in his hand a strange rod, as shown in this picture. His garment was a kind of striped cotton shirt and on his head he wore a pointed helmet, rather like a bishop’s mitre. It was beautifully decorated and on either side were horns, half a yard long, with little pointed tassels. He, and his entourage of twenty-five aristocrats, looked at our ship with great admiration. In this illustration is also shown a native from the cove of the island Tangil, with his weapon and a great wooden shield, which had at the top a long slit cut out, through which he could see and feel safe. Their lances are two fathoms in length and have a wide, iron spearhead. The women crop their hair and wear it short as the men do and they suckle their children as shown here.
Plate 11
(13.5x17.6), from Part III(p), first published in 1599 with German text and in
1601 with Latin text: $150
[539] Plants found in the island of S. Laurenti [Madagascar]
‘A’ denotes a tree with only a few twigs on the top. From this tree canoes and boats are made. ‘B’ is a bush that the Dutch frequently encountered and called ‘leafless’ because it hardly has any leaves and produces a scaly seed. The young tender shoots are used in the treatment of scurvy. ‘C’ is a plant that the Portuguese call ‘camarinnas’, which has a brownish leaf. Its fruit is a small pearl-like berry that tastes slightly sour. ‘D’ is a tall, thorny growth, as wide as a fist and as long as a spear. It has a black skin full of prickles instead of leaves. ‘E’ is a sugar cane that grows on the island of S. Maria. ‘F’ is the plant we call ginger.
Plate 21 (13.5x17.5), from Part IV(p),
first published in 1600 with German text and in 1601 with Latin text: $100
[467] A description of the villages on the island of Santa Maria [just off the east coast of Madagascar]
On this island we came across two villages, which we named Spakenburg and St. Angela. Both villages were enclosed by poles, stuck in the ground with only two entrances, one to the land, the other to the water. Within these enclosures were about two-hundred dwellings supported on wooden poles to prevent vermin from getting inside. In the middle of these dwellings is a large house for the chieftain, where a guard is permanently on duty. At Spackenburg we traded with the natives and met the chieftain, who was drunk and who invited us to sample their brew, which was made of rice and honey and served in an ox’s horn. There was also an inn in the village where our shipmates sat drinking and making merry with the natives.
Plate 12
(14.5x17.3), from Part III(p), first published in 1599 with German text and in
1601 with Latin text: $100
[522] How the inhabitants catch whales of the Island of Santa Marta [just off the east coast of Madagascar]
When the natives of S. Marta see a whale, they row out in their little boats and throw out a rope with a large hook on the end. When the hook buries itself in the creatures flesh, the natives pull on the rope until the wound widens and the whale becomes weak, nearly bleeding to death. Then they haul it ashore and start chopping it up. Everyone could take as much meat as they needed because it was so large.
Plate 4 (13.5x17.5) from Part IV(p),
first published in 1600 with German text and in 1601 with Latin text: $100
The End of this Geographical Category