"[Lot of 4 - Africa]", Angas, George French

Four hand colored, stone lithographed images from this scarce publication that contained 30 plates. The book was illustrated with a series of drawings taken among the Amazulu, Amaponda and Amakosa tribes. It also included portraits of the Hottentot, Malay, Fingo and other races plus drawings of landscape and scenery.

Angas (1822-1886) was a British artist and naturalist who traveled widely. He produced three other books besides The Kafirs; South Australia Illustrated, New Zealand Illustrated, and Portraits of the New Zealand Maori. During the 1850's he served as secretary for the Australian Museum in Sydney. His accomplishments as a naturalist are celebrated in the naming of several taxonomic groups for him. In 1846 he traveled to South Africa where he drew the local peoples and scenery, including these prints.

The lot includes: "Cape Town, from the Camps Bay Road (Plate 1)" which is a very finely rendered bird's-eye view of the town and harbor with numerous sailing ships at anchor. "Mouth of the Umvoti on Indian Ocean (Plate 18)" shows an expanse of ocean and the mouth of the river, which was later renamed to the Mavootie. In the foreground are four lions. The next print (Plate 21) shows a Zulu village with the title written on the stone in Angas' hand "Zulu Kraal at Umlez with huts & Screens." Shows ten natives engaged in daily activities. The two at far right are warriors who are wearing the traditional head ring, made from the bark of trees and grass, that is actually stitched to their scalp. "Zulu Blacksmiths at Work" shows them operating bellows, heating metal and working with ore. The kraal (fence) behind the men is a cattle pen. Living quarters are to the left. Some great pots and baskets can be seen in the background. All are on a full sheet 21.5 x 14.3" with wide margins less the third print which is slightly trimmed at top and sides to 18.7 x 13.8 inches.

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Condition: A

All images are very good to fine with lovely original hand coloring. The wide margins have occasional light foxing or soiling, some edges a little rough.