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Map of the island of Seram in the Maluku Islands, originally produced as two separate maps. Red lines show lines of communication of local people (referred to as ‘Alfoer’), with their tribe’s name. Muslim, Christian and Alfoer settlements are marked.

Map of the Kai Islands, in the Banda Sea, designed for navigation: it features bathymetry (sea depth), reefs and shoals. Obstructions in the water are marked ‘kr’ (coral), ‘m’ (mud), ‘s’ (shells), ‘st’ (stones), and ‘z’ (sand).

Two maps of the Dutch East Indies: one of the whole region, and one of Java alone. Both are divided into administrative regions—e.g. Java is divided into regencies—with coloured borders.

Two maps of the Dutch East Indies: one of the whole region, and one of Java alone. Both are divided into administrative regions—e.g. Java is divided into regencies—with coloured borders.

Map of the East Indies, with the borders of Dutch colonial territory marked in brown. The Malay Peninsula (‘Malakka’) has green borders, indicating it is a British possession. Four inset maps show other Dutch territories outside Southeast Asia.

Map of the East Indies, with the borders of Dutch colonial territory marked in brown. The Malay Peninsula (‘Malakka’) has green borders, indicating it is a British possession. Four inset maps show other Dutch territories outside Southeast Asia.

A map of a small island chain off the west coast of the island of Gilola (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.

Map of the ‘Spice Islands’ of maritime Southeast Asia, including the Maluku Islands. It is decorated with a drawing of an Asian man holding a large bird and a spear, and surrounded by baskets and boxes of goods of the spice trade.

The title cartouche of this early 18th century map of Southeast Asia is decorated with two drawings of battles. On the left, a sea battle with smoke rising from the ships’ cannons. On the right, an army attacks a walled city which is on fire.

This early 17th century map features Gilolo (Halmahera) and Seram, as well as Celebes (Sulawesi). French text on the reverse describes the ‘Isles Molucques’ (Maluku Islands), including trade in nutmeg, mace, aloe, cinnamon, ginger, pepper and cloves.