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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.

A map of Southeast Asia coloured to indicate the five different language families spoken in the region in the late 19th century. Names of indigenous tribes/languages are marked in red text, with European colonial possessions in grey.

A map of Southeast Asia coloured to indicate the five different language families spoken in the region in the late 19th century. Names of indigenous tribes/languages are marked in red text, with European colonial possessions in grey.

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’.

Brief notes printed on this 19th century map of Southeast Asia provide details about each region, including: numbers and ethnicity of the population, local or colonial rulers, crops and products, geography (corals, forests, volcanos, earthquakes).

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).