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A late 18th century map of Asia published in London by John Bowles, with regions indicated by colour. Central Borneo is labelled ‘Part inhabited by the Biayos’, which is seen on many contemporary maps, often with the comment ‘a savage people’.

This mid-18th century map features labels noting the local populations, including the Kemois of the mountains and deserts of Cochinchinae (Vietnam) and the Byayos of Borneo. The map’s cartouche is embellished with maritime and military paraphernalia.

This map features a label noting that the Byayos people inhabited the mountains of central Borneo. Another note at the northeast tip of Borneo states that the location and number of islands in the area is uncertain. Sheet two of two.

This map features a label noting that the Byayos people inhabited the mountains of central Borneo. Another note at the northeast tip of Borneo states that the location and number of islands in the area is uncertain. Sheet two of two.

This map features a label noting that the Byayos people inhabited the mountains of central Borneo. Another note at the northeast tip of Borneo states that the location and number of islands in the area is uncertain. Sheet two of two.

This mid-18th century map features a label noting that the Byayos people inhabited the mountains of central Borneo. Another note at the northeast tip of Borneo states that the location and number of islands in the area is uncertain.

A label on the island of Borneo states ‘Beajous Afgodendienaars bewonende het middelste gedeelte van 't Eiland [Beajous idolaters inhabit the middle part of the Island]’. Mountains are marked pictorially; settlements with a red building symbol.

A label on the island of Borneo states ‘Beajous Afgodendienaars bewonende het middelste gedeelte van 't Eiland [Beajous idolaters inhabit the middle part of the Island]’. Mountains are marked pictorially; settlements with a red building symbol.

Based on a Dutch map of the Sunda Islands, with the text changed to Italian. Some Dutch remains e.g. a label on Borneo: ‘Beajous Afgoden dienars bewonende het middelste gedeelte vant Eilland [Beajous idolaters inhabit the middle part of the Island]’.

Based on a Dutch map of the Sunda Islands, with the text changed to Italian. Some Dutch remains e.g. a label on Borneo: ‘Beajous Afgoden dienars bewonende het middelste gedeelte vant Eilland [Beajous idolaters inhabit the middle part of the Island]’.

An early 18th century map of Asia by the English cartographer John Senex, featuring labels noting details of the inhabitants of some areas e.g. on Borneo: ‘The Middle of this Isle is Inhabited by a People call’d Beaujous Idolaters’.

This early 18th century map of Asia features a drawing of a woman burning offerings on an altar, while two children carry cornucopias, and a camel looks on. The Roman god Mercury descends from the sky in the background wearing his winged helmet.