The line of settlements along the north coast of Java—contrasting with the almost empty interior—show that this map’s focus is on the sea. The islands, shoals and reefs that are marked reinforce this idea.
Moluccæ insulæ
event1602
location_onIndonesia
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.