{"product_id":"old-map-of-the-guinea-coast-west-africa-by-hondius-1610-senegal-gambia-rivers-sao-tome-inset-portuguese-trade","title":"Old Map of the Guinea Coast, West Africa by Hondius, 1610: Senegal \u0026 Gambia rivers; São Tomé inset; Portuguese trade","description":"\u003cp\u003eGuineae Nova Descriptio, engraved by Jodocus Hondius in 1610, presents an elegant, information-rich portrait of the West African littoral from the Rio Senego to Cape Lopez. Here the seaboard of Guinea and parts of Benin unfold in meticulous detail, while the interior bears period nomenclature such as “Lybia,” echoing classical geography. Hondius charts the long arc from the Senegal and Gambia Rivers past Sierra Leone and into the Gulf of Guinea, culminating in the islands of Fernando Po and São Tomé—one of which, St. Thomas, receives a dedicated inset. Issued as one of six new African maps for Hondius’s first edition of Mercator’s Atlas, it captures a pivotal horizon where exploration, commerce, and imperial rivalry converged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHondius, the master engraver who revitalized Mercator’s legacy, distilled the best available intelligence from Portuguese exploration into a lucid coastal schema prized by Northern European audiences. The map records key river mouths and anchorages that structured West African trade—gold, ivory, spices, and, tragically, enslaved people—while acknowledging the early seventeenth-century reality of Portuguese primacy. The Senegal and Gambia systems appear as arterial gateways to interior markets, their deltas and bends carefully traced. Southward, the coastline’s capes and bights articulate an itinerary that merchants and mariners would have recognized, even as Dutch and English competition pressed against Lusitanian monopolies along the Guinea shore.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA consummate stylist, Hondius frames his intelligence with theater. A lavish cartouche emblazoned Guineae Nova Descriptio announces the subject with sculptural flourish, while sailing ships enliven the Atlantic, signaling both maritime prowess and contested sea-lanes. Mountains rise pictorially, rivers meander in fine, calligraphic lines, and coastal names are arrayed with disciplined clarity. The composition privileges the littoral—where commerce met current—while allowing the interior to breathe with emblematic relief and historical toponyms. Ornamental tracery, precise lettering, and balanced negative space typify Hondius’s ability to reconcile aesthetic bravura with cartographic legibility, yielding a sheet as evocative as it is authoritative.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHistorically, the map stands at the cusp of transformation. It memorializes Portuguese maritime hegemony along the West African coast just as Dutch and English challenges intensified, a prelude to shifting monopolies and fortified factories that would reorder Atlantic exchange. The marked ports and river thresholds read as a ledger of opportunity and control, articulating the routes by which metals, ivory, and spices circulated—and by which the inhuman traffic of the slave trade was forced seaward. In this sense, Hondius offers both a geographical inventory and a political diagram, charting the interface where European ambition intersected with African polities and landscapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe inset of St. Thomas (São Tomé) is a telling accent, reflecting the island’s strategic role as a transshipment node in the Gulf of Guinea network and the Portuguese commitment to charting it closely. By isolating the island at a larger scale, Hondius underscores its navigational and commercial importance relative to the mainland corridor from Senegal to Cape Lopez. Together with the clearly labeled rivers, promontories, and islands—Fernando Po and São Príncipe among them—the inset weaves local precision into a grand coastal narrative. Ships under full sail complete the tableau, projecting an age when cartography served as both scientific instrument and emblem of imperial reach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCountries and regions on this map\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGuinea\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eParts of Benin\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLybia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWest African Coast\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSenegal\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSierra Leone\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFernando Po\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSão Tomé\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSão Príncipe\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNotable Features \u0026amp; Landmarks\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInset detailing St. Thomas (São Tomé)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eElaborate decorative cartouche titled \"Guineae Nova Descriptio\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSailing ships indicating maritime activity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOrnamental designs surrounding the map\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSenegal River labeled\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGambia River labeled\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMountain ranges labeled\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCoastal areas explicitly labeled\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNoteworthy ports and trading posts marked\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHistorical and design context\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCreated by Jodocus Hondius in 1610\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne of six new Africa maps in Hondius’ first edition of Mercator’s Atlas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExtends from Rio Senego (Senegal) to Cape Lopez\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReflects Portuguese influence and early-17th-century dominance amid rising Dutch and English competition\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDocuments river systems and ports tied to trade in gold, ivory, spices, and the slave trade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHighlights the strategic role of São Tomé and Príncipe as transshipment points\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCharacterized by ornate embellishments typical of Hondius’ style\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRecords Portuguese maritime hegemony and offers a glimpse into early 17th-century cartography and trade routes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNotes Portuguese exploration and the establishment of key trading posts in the late 15th and early 16th centuries\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLooking for a particular place?\u003c\/strong\u003e Review the detailed images to confirm that the town, landmark or feature you have in mind appears on the map. If you are unsure, \u003ca target=\"”_blank”\" href=\"\/fr\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003eask our workshop to check before you order\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDetailed maps are especially rewarding at larger sizes, where names, boundaries and decorative features have more room to be appreciated. Use the close-up preview and size guide to choose the right scale for your wall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 90in (230cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please \u003ca href=\"\/fr\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003eget in touch\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhere personalisation is available, you can add a short title or dedication, mark one meaningful place, or request one considered visual detail. \u003ca target=\"”_blank”\" href=\"\/fr\/pages\/map-personalisation\"\u003eSee personalised map examples\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEvery piece is printed to museum-grade archival standards using fade-resistant pigment inks on acid-free matte paper. Choose an unframed map print, framed map or canvas using the finish options above. Framed maps use crystal-clear optical acrylic and arrive ready to hang.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith its rich detail and strong sense of place, this map makes a considered gift for a new home, anniversary, retirement or anyone with a personal connection to the area shown. Still deciding? Explore our collection of \u003ca target=\"”_blank”\" href=\"\/fr\/collections\/all-old-vintage-antique-maps\"\u003erare old and vintage maps\u003c\/a\u003e to discover another place, period or style.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Unique Maps Co.","offers":[{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Map","offer_id":67687750599047,"sku":null,"price":53.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":67687750631815,"sku":null,"price":143.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x16in (30x40cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":67687750664583,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Map","offer_id":67687750697351,"sku":null,"price":53.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":67687750730119,"sku":null,"price":143.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A3 (297x420mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":67687750762887,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Map","offer_id":67687750795655,"sku":null,"price":86.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":67687750828423,"sku":null,"price":190.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x20in (40x50cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":67687750861191,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Map","offer_id":67687750893959,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":67687750926727,"sku":null,"price":217.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":67687750959495,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Map","offer_id":67687750992263,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":67687751025031,"sku":null,"price":217.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":67687751057799,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Map","offer_id":67687751090567,"sku":null,"price":113.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":67687751123335,"sku":null,"price":325.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x28in (50x70cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":67687751156103,"sku":null,"price":366.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x36in (60x90cm) \/ Map","offer_id":67687751188871,"sku":null,"price":113.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x36in (60x90cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":67687751221639,"sku":null,"price":325.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x36in (60x90cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":67687751254407,"sku":null,"price":366.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Map","offer_id":67687751287175,"sku":null,"price":113.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":67687751319943,"sku":null,"price":325.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A1 (594x841mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":67687751352711,"sku":null,"price":366.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Map","offer_id":67687751385479,"sku":null,"price":156.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":67687751418247,"sku":null,"price":447.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"28x40in (70x100cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":67687751451015,"sku":null,"price":447.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"30x40in (75x100cm) \/ Map","offer_id":67687751483783,"sku":null,"price":156.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"30x40in (75x100cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":67687751516551,"sku":null,"price":447.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"30x40in (75x100cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":67687751549319,"sku":null,"price":447.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Map","offer_id":67687751582087,"sku":null,"price":224.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":67687751614855,"sku":null,"price":1036.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A0 (841x1189mm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":67687751647623,"sku":null,"price":975.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"37x50in (94x127cm) \/ Map","offer_id":67687751680391,"sku":null,"price":312.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"37x50in (94x127cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":67687751713159,"sku":null,"price":1259.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"37x50in (94x127cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":67687751745927,"sku":null,"price":1185.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"45x60in (114x150cm) \/ Map","offer_id":67687751778695,"sku":null,"price":413.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"45x60in (114x150cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":67687751811463,"sku":null,"price":1896.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"45x60in (114x150cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":67687751844231,"sku":null,"price":1760.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"52x70in (132x178cm) \/ Map","offer_id":67687751876999,"sku":null,"price":698.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"52x70in (132x178cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":67687751909767,"sku":null,"price":2539.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"52x70in (132x178cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":67687751942535,"sku":null,"price":2370.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0257\/0344\/8638\/files\/file_20e3f731-8c2e-43c5-bf84-866d1c4a79f0.jpg?v=1792065460","url":"https:\/\/uniquemaps.com\/fr\/products\/old-map-of-the-guinea-coast-west-africa-by-hondius-1610-senegal-gambia-rivers-sao-tome-inset-portuguese-trade","provider":"The Unique Maps Co.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}