MAP EAST AFRICA - Aethiopia superior vel interior vulgo Abissinorum

Title: “Aethiopia superior vel interior vulgo Abissinorum ” from Nieuwen Atlas Amstelodami, Sumptibus Joannis Janssonii 1650 circa

Sheet size: 23.4 x 19.05 in; 595 x 484 mm. 

Plate area:  19.60 x 15.24 in; 498 x 387 mm. 

Technique: Copper engraving

Overall condition: Excellent condition, with light foxing.

A wonderful large scale hand-colored map of central and Eastern Africa from one of the great early 17th-century

Atlas "Nieuwen Atlas" [translation: The New Atlas], by Jan Jansson, published in Amsterdam in 1650 circa.

The map features from Mozambique north to present day Sudan. The map contains numerous coastal place names such as Mozambique Island, Quiloa, Mombaza, and Melinde indicating the importance of the area to both Arab, Portuguese, and traders and explorers from other countries.

The map includes numerous rivers, villages and settlements throughout, and is highly embellished with elephants, ostriches and other animals within the map, as well as a decorative cartouche flanked by natives. The two Ptolemaic lakes of Zaire and Zaflan are in the lower portion of the map; Lake Niger, and the supposed course of the Niger River, is shown flowing westward. 

Complete description of Abyssinia in latin language in the verso. Jan Jansson was part of an influential family of map publishers from the Netherland throughout the 17th century and beyond. They were based in Arnhem than in Amsterdam. They were printers, publishers and booksellers.

Overall Condition: Excellent

Economy shipping: South Africa: $11 (10-15 working days)

USA Canada and the rest of the world $10 (10-15 working days)

UE $9 (5-8 working days).