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A navigation map of part of the north coast of Java, featuring the ports of Batavia (Jakarta) and Bantam (Serang). Includes colourful paintings of a ‘menschen fressers [cannibal]’ island, Javanese people and palm trees (dates, banana, coconut).

A map of the northern coast of Java and the important port cities of Batavia (Jakarta) and Bantem (Banten). The web of lines is a rhumbline network, and shoals, reefs and bathymetry (sea depth) are marked, all to aid navigation.

This map showcases the colonial territories of Southeast Asia in the 18th century, with text detailing trading information and the products of each region. There are five inset maps featuring plans of specific trading ports.

This map showcases the colonial territories of Southeast Asia in the 18th century, with text detailing trading information and the products of each region. There are five inset maps featuring plans of specific trading ports.

This early 18th century maritime map charts the waters of the Straits of Sunda, between the islands of Java and Sumatra. The web of lines is a rhumbline network, while the numbers indicate sea depth (bathymetry), both used to aid navigation.

This early 19th century map is from a book titled ‘Mr. John Nieuhoff's Voyages’ in which the author reports on his travels to Southeast Asia, including a detailed description of the important port city of Batavia, as shown on the map.

On the right of this map, Latin text held within an elaborate border notes that five of the Maluku Islands are located nearby—Ternate, Tidore, Moti, Makian and Bacan—which trade spices including clove, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger to the world.

Maps can sometimes record a single event: this map depicts an October 1603 battle between the Dutch and Portuguese, as they fought for control of the trade routes through the Singapore Straits. The text panel recounts the story of the battle.

On the right of this map, Latin text held within an elaborate border notes that five of the Maluku Islands are located nearby—Ternate, Tidore, Moti, Makian and Bacan—which trade spices including clove, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger to the world.