This uncommon and exquisite "Children's Map of Africa" was designed by Margaret Whiting Spilhaus (1889-1981), a South African artist, writer, and educator. According to a note on the verso, "This new map is designed to complement the ordinary class map. It is not intended to replace the geographer's work. [...] The attempt is to give the child an insight of the life of the country, and to inspire him with its possibilities of development and adventure." It was first compiled in 1921 and then printed in a limited edition in Germany circa 1923. This edition was printed by the Cape Times Ltd.; George Philip & Son handled subsequent printings starting in 1929. Spilhaus designed four additional large-format pictorial maps between 1927-43, intended for the entertainment and education of schoolchildren: Australia, North America, South America, and Pan-Africa.

The continent here is teeming with activity and interesting characters: figures riding camels through the Sahara, a Nubian swordsman, a drummer, Pygmies, a man climbing a coconut tree, and various craftsman and harvesters. As one might expect on a map for children, especially a map of Africa, there are several animals. The map is further decorated with mermaids, a strange amphibious creature, an Arabian figure, and two archers representing the Equator. Resources are listed with corresponding symbols at bottom left. Surrounding the map are 19 historical vignettes spanning from a voyage to the Land of Punt in 1600 B.C. to Henry Morton Stanley exploring the Congo in 1877, with a special emphasis on Europeans' exploration and impact. The map reflects Spilhaus's idyllic view of colonialism, with the flags of the continent's colonizers flying above the map. "Behold child your heritage" is the message enclosed in a wreath at bottom. The map is backed in linen as issued, with brass metal fasteners along the top and bottom edges.

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Condition: B+

A colorful example mounted on linen as issued with a 1" edge tear above the title and a 1.5" tear along the fastener's edge at bottom right. There are a few small holes outside map image and some small spots, almost all of which are in unengraved areas. Fasteners are secure, but dented and scratched.