Historic maps and photos of Africa

June 11, 2007 6:26 PM

Northwestern University hosts a fine collection of historic East African photographs, viewable as sample sets or in their original photo-albums (requires flash). But the real prize is their wonderful collection of 113 historic maps of Africa, which are zoomable to incredible detail, also 1, 2, 3. via
posted by Rumple (11 comments total)

I like this 1650 view of the pyramids, a map which also has some sweet crocodiles. This 1680 ostrich and lions, leopard and rhino are also very fine, and the 1565 "Magnum Delta" of the Nile. Man, I could spend all day in these maps. In fact, I already have.
posted by Rumple at 6:54 PM on June 11, 2007

Some favorites 1, 2 (the dude on the right seriously wants to cut some infidels, 3, romance knows no color, i think the one on the right is pregnant.
posted by damn dirty ape at 6:54 PM on June 11, 2007

Ooooooh, Rumple, great find. Great post. Bookmarked. Would favorite twice if possible.

Just a link to this single photo of these musicians alone would've been FPP-worthy, as far as I'm concerned. Check that hat and the leg rattles. Too bad there's no audio!
posted by flapjax at midnite at 7:07 PM on June 11, 2007

This is bittersweet in view of later events, though Fernand de Poo Island is a great place name.
posted by Rumple at 7:14 PM on June 11, 2007

Cool! I've been wanting a new & accurate map of Negroland and the adjacent countries for my next trip there...
posted by UbuRoivas at 7:57 PM on June 11, 2007

AWESOME.

Thanks, Rumple!
posted by BobFrapples at 9:43 PM on June 11, 2007

You beat me to it, Ubu.

But seriously, how I miss my life in the Comoros . . .
posted by pwedza at 10:26 PM on June 11, 2007

Fabulous post, I am with flapjax in wishing I could favorite multiple times.

wonderful ... gorgeous

egad, what went on here - plus, the slave market and slave pics from the 1800s are amazing and sad.

I have only scratched the surface of the maps. Thanks, Rumple!
posted by madamjujujive at 11:35 PM on June 11, 2007

The photo in the middle of album page 38.1.5 (2nd from top in left hand frame) is incredibly sad.
posted by Rumple at 12:35 AM on June 12, 2007

now that I can navigate the albums...is there any way of turning the pages? i wanna see zanzibar, dammit! *big sigh* all i get is tangiers & lisbon!
posted by UbuRoivas at 6:03 AM on June 12, 2007

Wonderful post. Thanks.
posted by languagehat at 6:14 AM on June 12, 2007