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A map of Southeast Asia coloured to indicate the five different language families spoken in the region in the late 19th century. Names of indigenous tribes/languages are marked in red text, with European colonial possessions in grey.

A mid-19th century German map of mainland Southeast Asia showing a mixture of ancient kingdoms (e.g. Birma, Siam, Anam) and the colonial possessions of Britain (Malaya, Straits Settlements) and Denmark (Nicobar Islands).

Southeast Asia is on the last sheet of this map of Asia. The South China Sea is labelled ‘Malayan Sea’. Small islands, shoals and reefs are shown. A label in Cochin China (Vietnam) reads ‘mountains inhabited by the uncivilized people called Kemoys’.

This map of Asia, from an atlas by the German cartographer Karl von Spruner, is colour-coded to show territorial regions in Asia towards the middle of the fifth century. Borneo is labelled ‘Kalemantan’, and Sulawesi is labelled ‘Mangkassar’.

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 map features labels describing local populations, including the Kemoys ('Savage People') of the mountains of Cokin China (Vietnam), the Biayos of Borneo, and the 'Wild People' of the mountains of Pegu (Myanmar). Top half of the map is missing.

A large and detailed late 18th century map of Asia, printed over four sheets. There are labels noting the inhabitants of some areas, such as 'BIAYOS or the inland People' in the centre of Borneo.

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.

This map features a label noting that the Byayos people inhabited the mountains of central Borneo. Another note at the northeast tip of Borneo states that the location and number of islands in the area is uncertain. Sheet two of two.

This mid-18th century map of Asia has a stereographic projection to aid navigation. An illustration features Asian men—probably merchants, one of whom sits on a throne—and a kneeling elephant.

This mid-18th century map of Asia has a stereographic projection to aid in navigation. There is also an illustration featuring two Asian men depicted as native warriors, with a robed woman, as well as a large lizard.

An early 18th century map of Asia by the English cartographer John Senex, featuring labels noting details of the inhabitants of some areas e.g. on Borneo: ‘The Middle of this Isle is Inhabited by a People call’d Beaujous Idolaters’.