1689 Totius Africae Accuratissima Tabula

By:?Frederick De Wit

Date: 1680 (published) Amsterdam

Original Size:?19.5 x 23 inches (49.5 x?58.5 cm)

This is a fine reproduction of an original, decorative map of Africa by Frederick De Wit that became the standard for many maps to came. Some notable geographical features include the Ptolemaic version of the source of the Nile (two large lakes) and the Niger River shown to dramatically cut straight through West Africa from its source Borno Lacus. Its true source is in the Guinea Highlands in southeastern Guinea and it runs northeast through Mali and then south through Nigeria finally discharging into the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean.

There is an elaborate title cartouche in the lower left quadrant which portrays European settlers trading goods for ivory with natives while an elephant and two lions observe in a peaceful manner. Numerous animal vignettes decorate the interior of the continent and the oceans are accented with sailing ships and a compass rose.

Inventory #50651