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A map recording five Dutch expeditions through the Karo Lands of northern Sumatra. The mountainous terrain is represented by contour lines, with peaks’ heights marked. The names of groups of the indigenous Karo people are shown in large letters.

Details of each area’s resources are printed on this map of Sumatra: rattan, coffee, pepper, Chinese cinnamon, tobacco, resins, camphor, cotton, coal, gold, lumber, elephants, horses, as well as the locals’ ethnicity (Malays, Javanese, Acehnese).

A map recording five Dutch expeditions through the Karo Lands of northern Sumatra. The mountainous terrain is represented by contour lines, with peaks’ heights marked. The names of groups of the indigenous Karo people are shown in large letters.

Map of the island of Nias off the west coast of Sumatra. Nias and Muslim villages are marked separately; large interior areas are left blank (‘Niet onderzocht [Not researched]’). Anchor points and side views of hills (elevations) are for navigation.

On this map of Asia, colours are used to show the colonial territories of the European powers, and to show Muslim and Buddhist regions: Sumatra is divided between the Netherlands and local rulers; the Straits Settlements underlined in red (British).

On this map of Asia, colours are used to show the colonial territories of the European powers, and to show Muslim and Buddhist regions: Sumatra is divided between the Netherlands and local rulers; the Straits Settlements underlined in red (British).

On this map of Asia, the South China Sea is labelled ‘Malayan Sea’. Small islands, shoals and reefs are shown. A label in Cochin China (Vietnam) reads ‘mountains inhabited by the uncivilized people called Kemoys’.

On this map of Asia, the South China Sea is labelled ‘Malayan Sea’. Small islands, shoals and reefs are shown. A label in Cochin China (Vietnam) reads ‘mountains inhabited by the uncivilized people called Kemoys’.

A mid-19th century German map of mainland Southeast Asia showing a mixture of ancient kingdoms (e.g. Birma, Siam, Anam) and the colonial possessions of Britain (Malaya, Straits Settlements) and Denmark (Nicobar Islands).

A mid-19th century German map of mainland Southeast Asia showing a mixture of ancient kingdoms (e.g. Birma, Siam, Anam) and the colonial possessions of Britain (Malaya, Straits Settlements) and Denmark (Nicobar Islands).

Map of Southeast Asia highlighting European colonial possessions. Unusually, the south coast of the Philippine island of Mindanao is shown twice, reflecting uncertainty about its true location. Names of indigenous peoples are listed on Borneo.

A French map of the Asian colonial possessions of the Netherlands (Dutch East Indies), with an inset map of the island of Java. Colonies of Britain (Malay Peninsula), Spain (the Philippines) and Portugal (parts of Floris and Timor) are also marked.