'SOUTHERN AFRICA' (Cape Colony, South Africa) by Sydney Hall c.1828
A very attractive, finely engraved and rare early 19th century map of South Africa which was published in Sydney Hall's A New General Atlas (London: Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown & Green; 1828-1830 [first edition]).
This highly collectable and historically important map was produced a couple of decades after the Cape became a British Colony and just before the 'Great Trek' when the hinterland was opened up by Boer settlers. Much of southern Africa in the meantime remained largely unknown to Europeans being the home to "VARIOUS TRIBES OF THE HOTTENTOT RACE CALLED BOSJEMANS OR BUSHMEN" ('Hottentot' is now considered an offensive term). In Natal, the Zulu kingdom (marked 'ZOOLA') was entering its last year under the leadership of King Shaka (c.1787-1828) whose military genius was matched only by his brutality -- his residence / capital is marked. The map was produced by Sydney Hall (1788-1831) who was one of the most recognised and prolific British map engravers at the time when Britain excelled in map making.
- This is an original copper engraving with fine original hand colour.
- Printed area is approximately 41.3cms by 51.7cms (folio).
- The map is in very good condition with excellent margins. There is a very small split to the bottom centrefold not affecting the printed area and some minor offset. Click on image for a better view.
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- Guaranteed to be over 180 years old.