• presentation of the map reproduction without a frame
  • detail of the map from the centre
  • detail of the map from the centre left
  • detail of the map from the top left corner
  • detail of the map from the bottom left corner
  • detail of the map from the top right corner
  • detail of the map from the bottom right corner
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Ancient map of West Africa, 1606

SKU:  194824

Ancient map of West Africa, 1606

€54,00 EUR
€54,00 EUR
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The 1606 Hondius map of West Africa south of the Niger River is a detailed and decorative depiction of the region created by Jodocus Hondius, a prominent Dutch cartographer of the early 17th century. This map forms part of his enhancements to Gerard Mercator’s atlas, later published as the Atlas Novus. It reflects European knowledge of West Africa during the Age of Exploration, focusing on coastal and inland trade regions vital to the trans-Saharan and emerging transatlantic trade networks.

The map encompasses territories south of the Niger River, including parts of modern-day Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, and Togo. It features the Guinea Coast and the Gold Coast, regions famed for their abundant resources such as gold, ivory, and later slaves. The Niger River, though inaccurately depicted, is central to the map, symbolizing the European understanding of Africa’s interior waterways as conduits for trade and exploration.

Prominent kingdoms like Benin and others along the West African coast are marked, though often with Europeanized names. The map reflects European curiosity about local societies, rulers, and economies, while also underscoring the growing presence of European traders, especially Portuguese and Dutch, along the coastline.

Hondius’s signature decorative elements are evident, including elaborate cartouches, compass roses, and sea creatures embellishing the map. These features not only enhance its visual appeal but also reflect the blend of artistic imagination and geographic knowledge typical of the period.

This map captures a pivotal moment in history when European powers were expanding their trade networks in West Africa. It serves as both a tool of navigation and a record of the European worldview, providing valuable insights into early modern cartography and the socio-economic dynamics of the region.

Find more maps of Jodocus Hondius 

Materials

Cotton canvas, matte photo paper, fine art paper, pigmented inks.

  • The canvas it's 99 % cotton, 450 gr/sqm;
  • The matte photo paper it's acid-free (archival paper), 190 gr/sqm;
  • The fine art photo paper it's satinated (semi-glossy), 140 gr/sqm.

Shipping & Returns

Dispatching time: 1-2 days.

* AirMail option: The orders will be sent by priority registered mail, usually via client National Post (USPS, Canada Post, Royal Mail, LaPoste, Deutsche Post, PostNL, etc). The delivery times are not guaranteed, sometimes it will take longer and these are beyond our control. Tracking number will be provided. Clients from US and Canada cannot track the parcels as the tracking numbers are not rolled in USPS and Canada Post systems.

* UPS standard: The orders will be sent with UPS expedited option. The delivery time it's between 5-11 days. Tracking number will be provided after dispatch.

* UPS express: : The orders will be sent with UPS express saver. The delivery time it's between 4-7 days. Tracking number will be provided after dispatch.

Framing tips

Both type of materials, paper and canvas prints come rolled and will be need to be taken to your local framers.

The image it's printed with a border of 0.6 " (1.5 cm), for framing purposes only.

If you have already a frame, be sure you send us the exact size of the print that will fit inside the frame. We're printing on vectorial plotters so the size could slightly be more or less with 0.4" (1 cm).

If you plan to have the canvas print stretched on wooden frame, you'll need additional border, so please let us know after placing the order.

The images above was cropped from the image at the biggest size available (keeping the best quality and aspect /ratio), so, for good details please choose biggest dimensions that will suit your preferences / space.

Care Instructions

The print media (canvas or photo paper) could be cleaned only with a dry, soft cloth.

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