This copper engraving is from a remarkable series of publications, illustrating voyages of discovery and travels of exploration to various parts of the world. The project was begun by Theodore de Bry of Frankfurt, in 1590 and was to continue for another 54 years. They became known collectively as the Grands Voyages (to America and the West Indies) and the Petits Voyages (to the Orient and the East Indies). De Bry died after the first six parts of the Grands Voyages were completed. The project was completed initially by his widow and two sons, Johann Theodore de Bry and Johann Israel de Bry, then by his son-in-law, Matthaus Merian in 1644.

This fascinating engraving is Plate XXI from the first Latin edition of Part I of de Bry's Grands Voyages. It depicts the idol Kiwasa in a temple in Secota. According to the text, the Indigenous people of Secota relied on this wooden idol to watch over the corpses of their chiefs. On a sheet of Latin text measuring 9.8 x 13.8".

References: Church #140; Van Groesen (De Bry's America) p. 80.

Condition: B+

A dark impression on a lightly toned sheet with a few minor spots. There is minor soiling in the margins.