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The Straits Settlements are in red, with the rest of the map marked with names of local peoples (‘Inhabited by the Johor Jakuns’) and resources (mines). Many areas are left blank or vague as unexplored or approximate. Inset map of Singapore city.

The Straits Settlements are in red, with the rest of the map marked with names of local peoples (‘Inhabited by the Johor Jakuns’) and resources (mines). Many areas are left blank or vague as unexplored or approximate. Inset map of Singapore city.

Six-sheet map of the Malay Peninsula, featuring settlements, mountains and rivers. Labels note names of indigenous peoples, or describe terrain/resources. There is an inset map of Singapore town, and the Straits Settlements are highlighted in red.

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).

Map of Southeast Asia highlighting European colonial possessions. Unusually, the south coast of the Philippine island of Mindanao is shown twice, reflecting uncertainty about its true location. Names of indigenous peoples are listed on Borneo.

Map of the Birman Empire and Assam (modern Myanmar) with detailed text describing the region’s geography, culture, population, religion, government and history. There is an inset map highlighting Burmese islands off the coast of the Malay Peninsula.

Map of the Birman Empire and Assam (modern Myanmar) with detailed text describing the region’s geography, culture, population, religion, government and history. There is an inset map highlighting Burmese islands off the coast of the Malay Peninsula.

A late 18th century map of Asia published in London by John Bowles, with regions indicated by colour. Central Borneo is labelled ‘Part inhabited by the Biayos’, which is seen on many contemporary maps, often with the comment ‘a savage people’.

This mid-18th century map features labels noting the local populations, including the Kemois of the mountains and deserts of Cochinchinae (Vietnam) and the Byayos of Borneo. The map’s cartouche is embellished with maritime and military paraphernalia.

Map featuring the ancient kingdoms of mainland Southeast Asia. The cartouche is embellished with maritime and military paraphernalia. The map is dedicated to William IV, Prince of Orange (Guillaume Charles Henry Friso). Sheet one of two.

Map featuring the ancient kingdoms of mainland Southeast Asia. The cartouche is embellished with maritime and military paraphernalia. The map is dedicated to William IV, Prince of Orange (Guillaume Charles Henry Friso). Sheet one of two.