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Map of the Banda Islands—which was at this time the only source of nutmeg in the world—featuring mountains, plantations, settlements and a military fort. On the island of Gunnanapi (Banda Api) a volcano erupts (‘api’ means ‘fire’ in Indonesian).

There is a port at the south of this map of the Côn Đảo archipelago (Vietnam), and notes giving details such as a suitable location to careen ships (turning a ship on its side for cleaning or repair). A ruined English fort is also marked.

Map of the Banda Islands—which was at this time the only source of nutmeg in the world—featuring mountains, plantations, settlements and a military fort. On the island of Goenong Api (Banda Api) a volcano erupts (‘api’ means ‘fire’ in Indonesian).

Map of maritime Southeast Asia, with mountains, forests and settlements represented pictorially. The lower part of the map, which had six inset maps, has been cut off and is missing.

Map of maritime Southeast Asia, with four inset maps of locations in the region: Surabaya, some of the Lesser Sumba Islands, and Buton and Muna islands of the coast of Sulawesi. Mountains, forests, settlements and fields are represented pictorially.

A map of a small island chain off the west coast of the island of Gilolo (modern Halmahera in the Maluku Islands of Indonesia). The military forts on the islands were used by the European colonial powers during conflicts over the area’s spice trade.

This colourful mid-18th century map of the Sunda Isles (‘Isles de la Sonde’) includes the Malay Peninsula in addition to Sumatra, Java and Borneo. Mountain ranges and jungles are shown pictorially, and the islands and coasts feature shoals and reefs.

Map of the Banda Islands—which was at this time the only source of nutmeg in the world—featuring mountains, plantations, settlements and a military fort. On the island of Gunnanapi (Banda Api) a volcano erupts (‘api’ means ‘fire’ in Indonesian).

The southern coast of Borneo is labelled ‘Cote des Mahometans [Coast of the Muslims]’. A note next to the Philippines states that they were discovered by Ferdinand Magellan in 1520 and are comprised of about 11,000 islands.

The southern coast of Borneo is labelled ‘Cote des Mahometans [Coast of the Muslims]’. A note next to the Philippines states that they were discovered by Ferdinand Magellan in 1520 and are comprised of about 11,000 islands.

This map features maritime routes: between Siam and Batavia; and five routes of the explorers Juan Gaetan and Olivier du Nord (dated 1542) east of the Philippines. The cartouche has a colourful illustration of Asian people in traditional costume.

The mountains and forests of early 18th century Java are beautifully illustrated here by the Dutch cartographer Henry Abraham Chatelain (1648-1743). Details include cities, fields of crops, animals and people. An inset map shows the port of Batavia.