"Africae Nova Tabula", Hondius, Henricus

This richly ornamented map of the continent is Henricus Hondius' issue of Jodocus Hondius' map, but without the decorative borders that were masked in order to fit the map into an atlas format. The geography is largely speculative and follows Blaeu's map of 1617 with the Cuama River originating in the mountains rather than in the Sachaf Lake below the Mountains of the Moon (Lunae Montes). The origin of the Nile conforms to the Ptolemaic tradition of the two twin lakes south of the equator. The Kingdom of Monomotapa occupies a large area of southern Africa. Ornamentation includes a wreath-style title cartouche, sailing ships, flying fish, various sea monsters and Neptune consorting with a comely mermaid. Elephants, lions, zebras, ostriches, and even a dragon occupy the interior. From the first Latin edition published in 1631 with no text on verso.

References: Betz #58.3; cf. Norwich #34.

Condition: B+

There are professionally repaired centerfold separations that enter 4" at top and 2" at bottom of map and a repaired tear at upper right that passes 3/4" beyond the neatline. There are two small worm holes along the equator that have also been professionally infilled, with a minute loss of image.