L’Afrique divisée suivant l’estendue de ses principales parties

An attractive late 17th century overview of the continent of Africa.

This large, eye-catching map of Africa was issued circa 1695 by Alexis Hubert Jaillot, and provides a sweeping view of the continent from the perspective of the late 17th century European worldview. The image is organized by assumed political divisions, though in reality the local hierarchy was fractured and constantly changing, making clearly defined borders an impossibility (especially in the Sahara!).

The interior is almost fully mapped, without any mention of “Terra Incognita” or “Unknown Areas” prevalent in later (more accurate) publications. Several persistent cartographic myths are presented as fact; including the twin great lakes Zembre and Zaflan (likely originating from the Mountains of the Moon), a Niger River connected to the Senegal via underground passages and the mythical St. Helena Nova in the Atlantic Ocean.

The worldview mentioned above is also epitomized in the decorative cartouche, which features two classical European figures (allegorical representations of the Nile and Niger?) pouring forth water to the creatures and native inhabitants, shown covered by a shroud.

The map is an enlarged version of an earlier map by Nicholas Sanson, and Jaillot duly credits his predecessor under the title. Published in Amsterdam by Pierre Mortier and dedicated to the Dauphin, eldest son of French King Louis XIV.