Frederik De Wit – Africa, 1688

This is a colored, antique map of Africa, likely from the 17th or 18th century, titled Africa Tabula by Frederik De Wit. The map is rendered in a style characteristic of that era, with detailed coastlines, river systems, and political boundaries indicated by fine lines.

What I see:

• Continents and Oceans: The map prominently displays the continent of Africa. Surrounding it are labels for the various Mare (seas) such as Atlanticum and Oceanus Orientalis.
• Geographical Features: Major rivers are depicted, though sometimes inaccurately represented according to modern geography. Mountains, lakes, and deserts are also indicated.
• Labeling: Numerous place names are written in Latin, identifying kingdoms, regions, cities, and tribes. Many of these names are now obsolete or have changed significantly.
• Illustrations: In the lower left corner, theres a cartouche with an elaborate illustration. It depicts several figures, including what appear to be Europeans dressed in period attire, alongside peoples of Africa with traditional clothing and artifacts. There are also lions shown, symbolizing the wild and exotic nature of the continent. Ships are scattered across the oceans, representing maritime trade and exploration.
• Grid System: A latitude and longitude grid is superimposed on the map, a standard feature of cartography, with the equator clearly marked as Aequator hoc linea aequinoctialis.

Subtexts:

• European Colonial Perspective: The map reflects the Eurocentric view of the world prevalent during the age of exploration and colonization. The detailed depiction of coastlines suggests a focus on areas accessible for trade and potential conquest, while the interior of the continent often appears more vaguely rendered or filled with conjectural information.
• Knowledge and Ignorance: The map represents the extent of European geographical knowledge at the time. Gaps in understanding and areas of speculation are evident, particularly in the interior of Africa, labeled with terms like Terra Incognita (unknown land) or filled with names of kingdoms and peoples based on limited or secondhand accounts.
• Exoticism and Othering: The illustrations in the cartouche, especially the depiction of African people alongside powerful animals like lions, serve to exoticize the continent and its inhabitants. This aligns with a European tendency to portray non-Western cultures as primitive, wild, or subservient, thereby justifying colonial endeavors.
• Trade and Power: The presence of ships signifies the active engagement of European powers in maritime trade and exploration. Maps like this were not merely geographical tools but also instruments that facilitated economic and political expansion, providing knowledge for resource extraction and territorial claims.
• Scientific Advancement and Artistic Representation: The map is a testament to the cartographic advancements of the period, combining scientific measurement and observational data with artistic embellishments. The intricate detail and ornamental features highlight the map as both a practical document and a work of art.