"Qua Ratione Indi in Bellum", Bry, Theodore de

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.

Scene of two huge armies engaged in battle near Cartagena. These Indians were fierce fighters and carried their war-god, Chiappam, to battles in which they used poisonous arrows and spears. They smeared themselves with the blood of their enemy and ate their flesh. When their chiefs died they were buried with jewels, food and drink and the Spanish subsequently found riches buried in the tombs there.

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Condition: A

Minor defects in margins.